Watercolours

Francis Towne watercolour was one of his many works to have gone through Agnews

Offered at Sotheby’s (26/20/13.9% buyer’s premium) in an online sale that ran until December 1 under the title of The Fantasy World of Arthur Rackham was a collection of 31 original ink and watercolour artworks by the artist from the collection of American photographer Shirley Carter Burden (1908-89).

Estimated at just £60-100, a pair of Georgian portrait miniatures sold online for £2900 at Amersham Auctions (17.5% buyer’s premium) on January 6.

Grand Canal sketch has provenance to artist’s student who became a renowned collector

Edouard Manet’s (1832-83) small-scale works have always enjoyed a keen following alongside his larger more finished paintings.

An artist’s painting of his wife turned heads at a recent David Lay (18% buyer’s premium) auction in Penzance, selling over 10 times above estimate.

A rare work by Sarah Biffin (1784-1850), the early 19th century artist born without limbs, sold for £9000 at Sworders on December 15.

Comet depiction is one of the highlights as UK dealers target US sales opportunity

New York dealer chooses ideal time to disperse a select group of works at dedicated auction.

Lyon & Turnbull’s (25/20% buyer’s premium) auction to disperse the contents of Lowood House may well be best remembered for the early 16th century maiolica dish which fetched a mighty £1.04m – reported on the front page of ATG No 2513.

In demand at home and abroad during his lifetime, the eminent miniaturist John Smart was an international draw at a trio of sales.

Thousands of items are available to buy from dealers online. Here we pick out one that caught our eye this week.

Distinguished naval officer admired by Nelson was also a talented watercolour painter

Sold for £16,000 in a September 23 sale was an album of 41 watercolour studies of birds produced by William Weston Young (1776-1847).

Pescheteau Badin will be offering two unpublished watercolours by the Impressionist Edouard Manet (1832-83) on December 15.

Excellent selection of the artist’s wildlife works had been wrapped up and kept pristine.

Depicting sinewy limbed bearers relaxing beside a mahannah, this work 'Palanquin Bearers at Rest' by George Chinnery (1774-1852) is considered the largest and most accomplished figure drawing of the artist’s long career.

A mount to an ‘Indian school’ ink wash offered by Cuttlestones in Penkridge on September 2 read simply 'G Tagore'.

A group of works by painter, printmaker and war artist Edward Ardizzone (1900-79) was offered at Lawrences’ latest picture sale in Crewkerne, with eight lots coming from the artist’s family.