Latest News Articles by Jonathan Franks
Flemish artist takes the long view
02 March 2020It is safe to say that the canvas 'Panorama of the River Scheldt with the Silhouette of Antwerp', executed by the Flemish artist Mathieu Ignace van Bree (1773-1839) in the late 18th century, will not be the most expensive painting sold in Germany this year.
All-in-one kit for artists
02 March 2020This well-fitted maple wood artist’s box comes with numerous watercolours, mixing bowls and a small folding easel.
Classical micro-mosaic box appears at Zurich sale
02 March 2020This octagonal brass box, decorated with 17 micro-mosaics featuring subjects from classical antiquity, was created by Augusto Castellani of the famous firm of Roman jewellers founded by his father Fortunato.
Only existing drawing of Benin from before 1890 in demand at auction
02 March 2020Several surprises emerged in the tribal art sale held by Cologne auction house Lempertz (24% buyer’s premium) in a recent sale held in Brussels.
Rare version of Meissen's modern coffee service emerges Dusseldorf
02 March 2020Having been heavily criticised for its antiquated designs at the World Exhibition of 1900 in Paris, the Meissen porcelain factory commissioned avant-garde designers to produce more vibrant pieces.
Picture that moves with the times
02 March 2020Throughout the 19th century, picture clocks were popular in many German-speaking parts of Europe.
Swiss painter Marius Borgeaud offers paws for thought
02 March 2020Marius Borgeaud (1861-1924) was one of several Swiss painters working in Paris around the turn of the 20th century.
Example of silver Shekel which became symbol of revolt offered in Germany
02 March 2020Just under 600 lots in the extensive March 16-20 auction at Künker in Osnabrück come from the Samel collection. This highly important collection was put together by Josef Samel and his sister Angela Arluk, who were born in Poland, but settled in Munich after the war.
Raphael in beaker form
02 March 2020Raphael’s painting 'Madonna della sedia' is one of the most familiar images of Western art and has been copied by artists since its inception in 1513.
Silver medal celebrating Jacobite defeat emerges at Munich auction
02 March 2020A silver medal on offer at Gorny & Mosch in Munich on March 9-10 commemorates the last pitched battle fought on the British mainland.
Buyers spoilt for choice as German auction houses hold their autumn Asian offerings
06 January 2020German auction houses traditionally hold their autumn sales of Asian art towards the end of the season and this year collectors and dealers were spoilt for choice.
A tale of Hoffmann
23 December 2019In 1906, three years after he had founded the Wiener Werkstätte with Koloman Moser, the multi-talented Austrian Josef Hoffmann designed a silver casket.
Greek life in a German studio
23 December 2019When Theodoros Patros Vryzakis (1814-78) was only a young boy, his father was executed by the Turks during the Greek War of Independence.
Photo portraits and postcard are pick of a Berlin auction
23 December 2019A set of famous and highly collectable photographic portraits by a well known photographer and a rare postcard painted by a German Expressionist were two highlights of an auction at Berlin saleroom Grisebach (30/25% buyer’s premium) on November 27.
Portrait by talented Rembrandt pupil gives boost to Old Masters sales in Germany
02 December 2019Pictured here is a selection of notable Old Master results from recent sales in Cologne and Munich where international bidders battled with German dealers and collectors.
Bernhard Hoetger's 'light and shadow' ceramic figure emerges at German sale
18 November 2019After training in Düsseldorf and Paris, where he had met Rodin and Maillol, both of whom had a major influence on his work, the German sculptor, painter and architect Bernhard Hoetger (1874-1949) joined the artists’ colony in Darmstadt in 1911.
A price not to be sneezed at
18 November 2019In the first decades of the 19th century, watchmakers in many parts of Europe made a living by producing highly ornate watches and gold boxes, many of them for Chinese buyers.
Snail netsuke from Nagoya crawls into Cologne auction
18 November 2019During the late 18th century, schools of netsuke carving were established throughout Japan.
Pupil follows master’s example
18 November 2019It is no coincidence that a glass bowl designed by Carl Witzmann (1883-1952), which was sold at Dr Fischer (28% buyer’s premium) in Heilbronn on October 19, reminded bidders of works by the great Austrian designer Josef Hoffmann. Witzmann was, after all, one of his pupils.
Rococo couple by Höchst in autumn glory
18 November 2019The first incarnation of the porcelain factory in Höchst near Frankfurt existed for exactly half a century. It was founded in 1746, making it the second-oldest producer of porcelain in Germany after Meissen.