Two paintings by titans of the British art world have been reunited in London after 187 years. Continue reading
Category: Art News
Welsh Banksy owner worn out by tourist hordes
The owner of a garage in Wales on which a Banksy mural appeared just before Christmas said he is overwhelmed by the number of tourists who have descended on the site to view the artwork. Continue reading
Home for the holidays: Hope for return of stolen Caravaggio in time for Christmas
New evidence has emerged, which suggests a missing Nativity masterpiece by Caravaggio could soon be returning to Sicily. Theories abound as to the disappearance of ‘Nativity With Saints Lawrence and Francis’ (1609) from the Oratory of San Lorenzo in Palermo in 1969. The latest version of the story was announced by Rosy Bindi, president of Italy’s parliamentary Antimafia Commission earlier this year. According to investigators, testimony from a member of Sicilian criminal organisation, Cosa Nostra, indicates the stolen masterpiece was taken to an art dealer in Switzerland who sold it off in pieces. They have followed this lead to eastern Europe and now believe they can recover the Nativity soon. Continue reading
Will proposed reforms to the export licensing system save more treasures for the nation?
In a bid to save more national art treasures from leaving the country, the UK government has announced plans to strengthen the export licensing system. Continue reading
Easter Island Mayor surprises by opposing return of stolen statue
Keep the statue you stole from us 150 years ago, the Mayor of Easter Island has told London’s British Museum. Continue reading
Goods mortgages – an explosion in art-lending? – Update
The Goods Mortgages Bill was introduced as a private member’s bill yesterday (29 November) by Lord Stevenson. Continue reading
Artist plans to whitewash a Banksy following half million pound sale
A month since a Banksy self-destructed after passing under the hammer at Sotheby’s, another work by the elusive street artist has sold for £561,000 (including buyer’s premium) to a buyer who has vowed to whitewash it. Continue reading
Jewish art dealer’s descendants refuse to buy back Nazi-looted portrait
“We want our looted work back. Full stop”, the descendant of Jewish art dealer and victim of Nazi spoliation, Paul Rosenberg, has told the New York Times. Continue reading
Artist hacks street signs in Edinburgh to the public’s delight
Britons are well-accustomed to the exploits of street artist Banksy. Now another artist is contending for a place in their hearts with his playful transformations of the humble street sign in Edinburgh. Continue reading
Mob boss masterminded the Isabella Stewart Gardner art heist
A mob boss killed in prison last week was key to the notorious Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum theft, a private investigator has speculated. Continue reading
