Art Market

A portrait by Robert Peake the Elder (c.1551-1619) was the top lot at the Bonhams (28/27% buyer’s premium) Old Master Paintings sale in London on July 1.

Two notable works by Thomas Gainsborough (1727-88) from different ends of his career drew contrasting levels of demand at separate summer auctions.

Latest auction results suggest the market is showing encouraging signs as new collectors emerge and others expand their horizons

Joseph Sherer entered the Royal Navy in 1811 aboard the Defiance. In 1819 he joined Hecla under Captain George Frederick Lyon taking part in Sir William Parry’s Arctic expeditions.

Royal Navy subjects prominent in a white-glove sale at London saleroom Charles Miller

Paintings of elegantly attired female figures hold a special place in the oeuvre of the Scottish Colourist Francis Campbell Boileau Cadell (1883-1937).

While cats might occasionally be seen prowling round a skip, it’s much rarer to spot a painting in such a location by, yes you guessed it, the feline fan’s favourite Louis Wain (1860-1939).

A typically enigmatic portrait by Gerald Leslie Brockhurst (1890-1978) attracted interest at a recent sale at Lawrences (25 buyer’s premium) of Crewkerne in Somerset.

A work described as an “exciting addition to the oeuvre of Gillis Claeissens (1526-1605)” was the star performer at Sworders’ (25% buyer’s premium) latest Old Master, British and European art sale.

A group of works with provenance to one of India’s oldest commercial art galleries, emerged at a Plakas (29% buyer’s premium) auction on May 21.

Collectors are looking for lesser-known artists beyond the top targets in a notably strong market