Fine Art

Pair of scarce oils by an artist more familiar as a watercolourist emerge at auction in Essex

Sculptor Naum Kongiser (1904-84) created the propaganda figure Radio for the Village for the State Porcelain Manufactory in 1927.

The latest series of Old Master auctions in London looked a little thin with the evening sales comprising less than 30 lots, but the series was not without its highpoints.

A bust-length study, thought to be a self-portrait by Mary Beale (1633-99) from the early 1660s, sold above estimate at a recent sale at Parker Fine Art Auctions (25% buyer’s premium).

Pair of religious panels used as altar sell on low estimate but still result in auction record for the artist

The third edition of FAB Paris concluded at the end of November with healthy sales and enthusiastic interest.

Single-owner collection offered in south London reveals costumes and culture of the empire

At Van Ham (27% buyer’s premium) in Cologne on November 12, the auctioneers were overwhelmed with bids when an early 20th century plaster copy of an iconic ancient Egyptian bust came up for sale with a guide of €6000.

Son of the famous John Atkinson Grimshaw under focus with two of his own works in the same style

Two previously lost works by Italian painter Lavinia Fontana (1552-1614) will go on display in the new year after recently appearing at auction. Fontana has been described as the first female career artist in western Europe as her family relied on her income.

More pieces appear from a collection that survived a couple of devastating blazes at the family home

A fine drawing by French Romantic painter and draughtsman Pierre Paul Prud’hon (1758-1823) sold for €190,000 (£158,300) at L’Huillier & Associés (30% buyer’s premium inc tax).