Latest News Articles by Alex Capon
Early Rembrandt heads London Old Master sales
11 December 2023A couple of headline lots, a scattering of rare and unusual pictures and one of the most valuable consignments of prints ever offered lifted the latest series of Old Master auctions in London.
Lebenstein’s beastly work raises its head in Kent
11 December 2023An eastern European picture that commanded bidding at a recent UK regional auction was a trademark painting by Polish artist Jan Lebenstein (1930-99).
Canaletto leads Christie’s Old Master sale as Pylkkänen bows out
07 December 2023A pair of Venetian scenes by Canaletto (1697-1768) topped Christie’s latest Old Master sale in London.
Bumper return for vendor as ‘rediscovered Rembrandt’ sells at Sotheby’s
07 December 2023A small panel painting previously sold two years ago at Christie’s as ‘circle of Rembrandt’ made more than 12 times that level when it reappeared at Sotheby’s with a full attribution.
Getty Museum buys three Old Masters to ‘bolster the collection’
06 December 2023The Getty Museum has announced the acquisition of three Old Masters which were all bought this year from separate European sources.
What’s cooking in the Cotswolds: Steadman and Knuttel
04 December 2023It is often said that the mark of a good illustrator is that their work is instantly recognisable.
Rare chance to bid for a Velázquez portrait
04 December 2023A large full-length portrait of Isabel de Borbón, Queen of Spain, by the great Diego Velázquez (1599-1660) will be offered at Sotheby’s New York in February.
Even a Bevan study gallops to £18,000 these days
04 December 2023Some notable auction action has been generated by the artist Robert Polhill Bevan (1865-1925) over the last few months.
Modern British works – why it's worth making a fresh start
04 December 2023Cast-iron provenances and first appearances on the market combine to boost value in a Cornish saleroom
Major Old Master emerges as Velázquez portrait of Spanish queen comes to Sotheby’s
30 November 2023A large full-length portrait of Isabel de Borbón, Queen of Spain, by the great Diego Velázquez (1599-1660) will be offered at Sotheby’s New York in February.
Clausen’s nymph found in a family collection
27 November 2023While pictures of young female sitters are not unusual in the oeuvre of George Clausen (1852-1944), ones with mythological or allegorical subjects are distinctly rarer.
Picabia: top pick in a regional sale
27 November 2023A group of Modern and Impressionist pictures provided a significant boost to the latest Art & Design post 1880 sale held at Duke’s (25% buyer’s premium).
Harry Becker in harmony with nature
27 November 2023An auction record for Harry Becker (1865-1928) was set this autumn.
Vivien Gribble worth more than a dabble
27 November 2023Little-known artist tutored by Cedric Morris comes under the spotlight thanks to her portrait of him
‘Profumo Affair’ sketch brings £8500
20 November 2023Stephen Ward (1912-63) will no doubt always be remembered as the man who introduced the model Christine Keeler to the politician John Profumo.
The ‘studio’ works that place forgotten artists in a new light
20 November 2023Works that come to auction directly from artists’ estates often have extra appeal due to a combination of factors.
Four-legged friends help Fulton to a four-year high
20 November 2023The artist Samuel Fulton (1855-1941) painted portraits of people and horses but by far his favourite subject was dogs.
Pownall enjoys atmosphere of nights out in London
20 November 2023Atmospheric views of London were the stock-in-trade of George Hyde Pownall (1866-1932).
Picasso powers ahead to crown New York evening sales
13 November 2023A good crop of top-end Impressionist and Modern pictures lifted the latest flagship series of auctions in New York.
Art Market: Churchyard on cloud £9000
13 November 2023Small sky study sets a new high for works by the artist who was a great observer of nature