Once upon a time a gentleman might learn the importance of good manners the hard way. If rude to a fellow aristocrat or lady in the 18th or early 19th century it was quite possible you could end up being challenged to a duel. Before you knew it there would be pistols at dawn and the prospects of a painful death.
Once upon a time a gentleman might learn the importance of good manners the hard way. If rude to a fellow aristocrat or lady in the 18th or early 19th century it was quite possible you could end up being challenged to a duel. Before you knew it there would be pistols at dawn and the prospects of a painful death.
Last November, Sotheby’s New York was set to auction Blanchisseuses souffrant des dents by the Impressionist master Edgar Degas, carrying an estimated value of $350,000 to $450,000. But at the eleventh hour, the small, six-by-eight inch portrait of a laundrywoman with an aching tooth was mysteriously withdrawn from sale.
Last November, Sotheby’s New York was set to auction Blanchisseuses souffrant des dents by the Impressionist master Edgar Degas, carrying an estimated value of $350,000 to $450,000 (€248,000-€318,900). But at the eleventh hour, the small, six-by-eight inch portrait of a laundrywoman with an aching tooth was mysteriously withdrawn from sale.
Antique fakes are almost as old as the antiques themselves. Christopher Owen, who helped expose one of the greatest frauds in the history of the market, tells the tale – and the lessons that buyers should draw from it.
Antique fakes are almost as old as the antiques themselves. Christopher Owen, who helped expose one of the greatest frauds in the history of the market, tells the tale – and the lessons that buyers should draw from it.
Picasso’s five nudes Les Demoiselles d’Avignon helped popularise the beauty of tribal masks. Nearly 100 years later they remain hugely popular – and very collectable. Toby Walne reports.
Picasso’s five nudes Les Demoiselles d’Avignon helped popularise the beauty of tribal masks. Nearly 100 years later they remain hugely popular – and very collectable. Toby Walne reports
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