The director of the National Gallery of Ireland provides an alternative view of the history of art in her new book
By Dr. Andrea da Montefeltro
In a grand commemoration of the 500th birth anniversary of the renowned artist Girolamo Francesco Maria Mazzola (1503 – 1540), better known as Parmigianino, Bologna became the epicenter of art and history. The city hosted the “Respice Finem” International Conference, a prestigious event sponsored by the Municipality.
Amid the gathering of esteemed institutions and dignitaries, a significant revelation took center stage: an unpublished drawing, measuring 18.9 cm by 17.7 cm, depicting a holy family. This masterpiece, hailing from the esteemed collection of Emile Calando, was presented by a prominent Bolognese company. Notably, this drawing had once shared a space with works by titans like Michelangelo and Raphael and was now speculated to be a rare gem from Parmigianino’s early Roman period, reflecting clear Mannerist undertones.
Experts and researchers immersed themselves in discussions and studies around this newfound treasure. Maria Cecilia Visentin, a revered professor of art history, and Lucica Bianchi provided insights into the life and artistic journey of Parmigianino. Annalisa Di Maria, an international authority on Leonardo da Vinci and the Italian Renaissance, delved deep into the stylistic nuances of the drawing, suggesting a profound influence of Raphael’s artistry.
“The drawing was executed with mixed media on virgin linen paper and has many symbolic aspects typical of Parmigianino’s painting,” remarked Di Maria. She further highlighted the intricate details, particularly the hands, as pivotal in identifying the artist’s touch.
The drawing’s symbolism was undeniable, echoing Parmigianino’s tumultuous life, where his dedication to alchemical pursuits often eclipsed his artistry, a narrative eerily reminiscent of contemporary psychological introspections.
The morning also witnessed the conferral of the prestigious international award “Leonardo The Immortal Light” to the University of Bologna – Alma Mater Studiorum, recognizing its unparalleled commitment to education and cultural research. Another accolade celebrated the secular order of Dei Servi Di Maria, patrons who had historically championed renowned Italian artists, including the celebrated Parmigianino.
In conclusion, the drawing, with its alchemical undertones and distinctive Mannerist style, not only reaffirms Parmigianino’s genius but also rekindles the allure and mystique of a bygone era in the heart of Bologna.
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But her most important reform proposal faces opposition from the state of Bavaria
The Council of State dismissed the Italian culture ministry’s belated attempt to repatriate “absolute masterpiece” from the Los Angeles museum
Slew of shows this year mark 250th anniversary of German artist who, as a favourite of Hitler, had fallen out of favour
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Once dubbed “the art world’s patron satan”, the Los Angeles-based gallerist is hoping to take the Californian seat formerly held by the late Dianne Feinstein
BY AMANDA MCKINLEY
On December 6th, Christie’s Rockefeller Center in Manhattan witnessed an extravagant showcase of luxury as the Magnificent Jewels auction unfolded. This event saw fervent bidding both in-person and over the phones, culminating in a remarkable total of $38,135,080. Impressively, 90% of the 152 lots available found buyers. The auction presented an exquisite collection of rare diamonds, significant colored stones, and distinguished jewels from renowned collections.
Leading the auction was a 3.49-carat fancy vivid blue cushion-cut diamond ring, internally flawless, which was acquired for a notable $5,495,000. Another highlight was a 5.16-carat fancy vivid yellowish orange diamond ring with a VS2 clarity, fetching $1,683,500. The list of impressive sales for colored diamonds continued with a 61.47-carat fancy greenish yellow modified-cut diamond, which was secured for $1,562,500.
Colored stones also made a significant mark during the sale, with numerous lots surpassing their anticipated values. Notable examples include a Cartier-mounted emerald-cut Kashmir sapphire ring weighing 23.00 carats, which soared to $3,014,500—more than three times its conservative estimate of $800,000. Additionally, a Tiffany & Co. cushion-cut Kashmir sapphire ring of 8.91 carats was sold for $1,925,500, while a 7.31-carat cushion-cut Burmese ruby ring realized $1,134,000. Among the surprises, a pair of Tiffany & Co. sapphire and diamond earrings were acquired for a whopping $453,600, which was eleven times their lower estimate of $40,000. An emerald-cut emerald ring weighing 9.13 carats fetched $1,008,000, a value more than five times its minimum estimate.
Further adding to the allure of the auction were pieces from esteemed private collections. A Van Cleef & Arpels multi-gem and diamond bracelet, once part of the Collection of Adolphus Andrews, Jr. and Emily Taylor Andrews, sold for $138,600, surpassing its estimate of $50,000. Similarly, a striking Seaman Schepps Art Deco rock crystal, multi-gem, and diamond bracelet from the Estate of Mary Lloyd Robb achieved $144,900 against its lower estimate of $40,000.
Christie’s, established in 1766, stands as a premier institution in the art and luxury domain. With a global footprint spanning 46 countries across the Americas, Europe, Middle East, and Asia Pacific, Christie’s has cemented its presence with flagship sales hubs in cities like New York, London, Hong Kong, Paris, and Geneva.
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The Rio de Janeiro site, where one million enslaved Africans disembarked, retains its Unesco World Heritage status