“Not since the record-breaking sale of the bronze figure by Adriaen de Vries have works of this extraordinary calibre and rarity come to the market.”
Donald Johnston, international head of European sculpture at Christie’s, on the upcoming auction of two 17th century bronzes from the court of the Sun King Louis XIV of France. For the full story click here.
"Under the new proposed ivory ban, every museum and public display in the country that makes a charge or receives ‘a financial benefit’ from its collections could, legally, display only antique objects containing ivory which met the stringent de minimis or 100-year-old portrait miniature exemptions, or were over 100 years old and deemed among ‘the best and most important’ of their type. Which is why I am deeply worried that the next step in this frenzied cultural war against any historic object fashioned from ivory will be the removal of works of art from public display."
Michael Baggott, dealer. For the full letter see ATG 2339.
“Resolving… price transparency is essential to attract new buyers. What is clear, is that the talent is there to make it happen, even if the timing remains hard to predict.”
Robert Read, head of art and private clients at insurance firm Hiscox commenting on the sixth annual Hiscox Online Art Trade Report. For the full story click here.
“It is vital that they are high quality, in very good condition and of pleasing and practical design.”
Ben Brown, auctioneer at Dreweatts, on the demand at auction for book cases and chest of drawers following its Fine Furniture and Works of Art sale on March 28. For the full story see ATG 2339.
“The collecting community in Los Angeles has reached a level of power and sophistication that demands senior expertise on the ground to work with clients every day.”
Amy Cappellazzo, chairman of Sotheby’s fine art division, speaking about the move of Thomas Bompard from London to Los Angeles where he will now work as the chairman of the West Coast division. For the full story click here.
“In a world that is now more than ever searching for new socio-economic solutions, the full significance of Beuys as an artist has barely begun to be investigated.”
Norman Rosenthal, curator of Joseph Beuys: Utopia at the Stag Monuments at Thaddeus Ropac. For the full story click here.
