UNVEILING EQUESTRIAN ARTISTRY
The artwork An Andalusian Horse by Anthony van Dyck is an exceptional illustration of equestrian elegance, yet it harbors an extraordinary secret.
Following its sale in 2000, diligent research revealed that this canvas conceals the only surviving oil landscape created by Van Dyck.
A conservation effort led to the removal of a relining layer, unveiling a tranquil scene of a tree-dotted hill gently descending towards a lake, with a dog depicted in the act of drinking.
Art historians have drawn intriguing parallels between this serene imagery and the background of another Van Dyck masterpiece from 1620 located in the Musée du Louvre.
Moreover, the reverse side features an equestrian portrait that serves as a preparatory study for his celebrated depiction of Emperor Charles V, currently showcased in Florence’s Gallerie degli Uffizi.
This remarkable double-sided piece of art was once in the possession of Thomas Gambier Parry, a prominent British artist whose significant collection now resides at the Courtauld Gallery in London.
CLASSIC MASTERPIECES GOING UNDER THE HAMMER
Another gem making waves in the auction world is a captivating work by a youthful Sandro Botticelli featuring the Virgin Mary holding the Christ Child.
This painting, commonly referred to as the Wantage Madonna, has remained within a single family for over a century and is set to make its auction debut at Sotheby’s London.
First acquired in 1904 by the notable collector Harriet Loyd-Lindsay, Baroness Wantage, this artwork has decorated the walls of her family home in Berkshire, UK.
Despite its understated presence for many years and an earlier attribution to Botticelli’s workshop, experts recently confirmed its authenticity in 2022.
Analysts remark on its striking similarities to Botticelli’s famous The Madonna and Child with Six Saints, also known as the Sant’Ambrogio Altarpiece, which can be admired in the Uffizi Gallery, Florence.
FROM CERAMICS TO SOCIAL COMMENTARY
Renowned British potter Lucy Rie, originally from Austria, revolutionized 20th-century ceramics with her modernist approach.
While many of her male contemporaries cling to embellishments, Rie boldly embraced minimalism, setting a new standard that continues to motivate ceramic artists today.
Among her pieces, a footed bowl slated for sale at Phillips New York stands out.
This bowl features an exquisite matte white finish and delicate concentric patterns.
Notably, it shattered Rie’s previous auction record in 2016, fetching an astonishing $212,500 against an initial estimate of just $40,000 to $60,000.
Emerging in the late 1960s, the collective known as General Idea, consisting of Jorge Zontal, A.A. Bronson, and Felix Partz, used their art to comment on societal issues, particularly consumerism and restrictive gender roles.
In their impactful response to the AIDS crisis, they creatively reimagined Robert Indiana’s iconic LOVE design to communicate a pressing message about AIDS awareness.
These poignant stamps, integral to their campaign, have become a vital part of the collective’s legacy.
Tragically, Zontal and Partz both passed away from AIDS-related illnesses in 1994, yet their contributions to art continue to resonate deeply, reflecting both a profound commitment to social issues and an enduring humanity.
Source: The Art Newspaper