Tuesday, June 03, 2025

Tate and the National Portrait Gallery jointly acquire rare self-portrait by William Dobson

The greatest British portrait painter of the 17th century will be reunited with his wife this November.
LONDON.— Tate and the National Portrait Gallery today announce that they are jointly acquiring the earliest known work by William Dobson, widely considered to be the first great British painter. Previously held in a private collection, this self-portrait has now been saved for the nation thanks to a £1.6 million grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, major support from Art Fund and the Deborah Loeb Brice Foundation, and additional support from a generous group of trusts, foundations and individuals. The painting is being purchased at a special price of £2,367,405 by private treaty sale through negotiations brokered by Hazlitt. The self-portrait will go on free public display at Tate Britain in November, where it will be reunited with Dobson’s portrait of his wife, created at around the same time and already held in Tate’s collection. The painting will then set off on a tour of the UK before returning to London to be shown at the National Portrait Gallery, where it will join a display of other important self-portraits by 17th century masters, including Sir Anthony van Dyck. In future, the portrait will be shared by the two institutions as well as being available to other museums as part of the national collection. William Dobson (1611–46) holds a pivotal place in the story of British art. He assumed the role of Charles I’s official painter after the death of the Flemish artist Sir Anthony van Dyck. Based at the King’s exiled court in Oxford during the English Civil War, Dobson was celebrated for his baroque portraits of Cavaliers, images which bear witness to one of the most tempestuous periods in the country’s history. Hailed at the time as “the most excellent painter that England hath yet bred”, his career was cut tragically short when he died at the age of 35. Dobson’s painting of himself as a young man was made between 1635 and 1640 in London, before he arrived at the King’s court in Oxford, and is one of...
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Exhibition surveys the major stages of Auguste Herbin's career

MUNICH.— The French painter Auguste Herbin (1882–1960) is recognized as a modernist revolutionary and one of the pioneers of abstraction in France. He starts out in the first years of the new century with late-Impressionist landscapes, still lifes, and portraits that already bespeak his penchant for luminous yet harmoniously handled colors; his palette grows wild in the Fauvist phase that follows and will remain so throughout his life. In 1904, he meets the German art critic and gallerist Wilhelm Uhde, who also introduces him to German audiences—with far-reaching consequences: his art is exhibited and collected in Germany to this day. Painting his first Cubist pictures in 1909, he ranks among the inventors of this visual idiom. His Cubist work, too, stands out for its bold colors. In 1909, he moves into a studio at the celebrated Bateau-Lavoir in Paris’s Montmartre, where Braque and van Dongen are among his neighbors. Herbin paints in different parts of France, from the Belgian t
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Morphy's unleashed major firepower May 13-15 with $6.74M auction of prized firearms

DENVER, PA.— Premier examples of military, civilian and sporting firearms crossed the auction block on May 13-15 at Morphy’s flagship gallery in Denver, Pennsylvania, with aggressive bidding – especially on NFA weapons – pushing the grand total to a heady $6,740,000. The top-selling lot was a spectacular factory-original Fabrique Nationale (Herstal) U.S. M240B machine gun, one of very few specimens of its type confirmed to be fully transferable to an individual owner. In near-mint condition, it retained its original tripod and even its original shipping box. Per its consignor, the gun had never been fired since leaving the factory. Its markings included U.S. M240 / 11825980 / MACHINE GUN 7.62MM on the left side of the receiver, followed by its serial number, contract number and National Stock Number. Prior to the auction, Morphy Auctions’ founder and president, Dan Morphy, pegged it as a superstar lot, calling it “a tremendous example that would be all but impossible to upg
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Everard's June 17-18 auction presents premier fine & decorative arts from Southern estates and collections

SAVANNAH, GA.— Collectors can jump-start their summertime fun with a dip into Everard’s June 17-18 auction of fine and decorative art from prime Southern estates and private holdings. Highlight categories include American antique furniture, contemporary sculpture, Tiffany silver, exquisite jewels, World War I posters, and a noted photographer’s lifetime collection of prized cameras and other photographic equipment. Charles Schulz’s (American, 1922-2000) original art for a Peanuts daily comic strip leads the auction with an estimate of $30,000-$50,000. The four-panel daily strip is an early production, from 1954, and depicts an amusing scene with Charlie Brown and Franklin observing Snoopy as he zooms back and forth with no apparent destination. Charlie Brown comments, “It must be frustrating to be able to run that fast and have no place to go...” The art is ink-signed by Schulz and dated 10-13 (1954) on the last panel. The additional penciled notes “364” and “
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Rubens reigns in Barcelona: Prado masterpieces reveal Baroque genius and collaborative spirit

BARCELONA.— CaixaForum Barcelona has thrown open its doors to "Rubens and the Artists of Flemish Baroque. Collections from the Museo del Prado," a breathtaking exhibition that plunges visitors into the explosive creative world of Peter Paul Rubens and his brilliant contemporaries. On view until September 21, this show isn't just an art exhibit; it's a testament to a powerful era of artistic innovation and a strategic partnership bringing unparalleled treasures to Spain's cultural capital. This grand collaboration marks the sixth time "la Caixa" Foundation and the Museo Nacional del Prado have joined forces, underscoring their commitment to sharing Spain's rich artistic heritage. Following hugely successful shows featuring Goya and Velázquez, this latest endeavor promises to be equally captivating, pulling back the curtain on the boundless energy and profound influence of Flemish Baroque. Upon entering, visitors
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Exhibition celebrates contemporary Indigenous Australian art and inaugurates new galleries

RENO, NEV.— The Nevada Museum of Art announces Eternal Signs: Indigenous Australian Art from the Kaplan and Levi Collection, a major new exhibition that welcomes viewers into the diverse and vibrant visual languages of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists from Australia. As the inaugural exhibition in the Museum’s new E. L. Wiegand Feature Gallery, it highlights nearly fifty works from across seventeen different communities in the Central and Western Desert regions of Australia. With ancestral lineages extending back more than 60,000 years, Indigenous Australian peoples are widely considered to represent one of the world’s oldest, continuous, living cultures. Their knowledge systems—often described as Dreamings, songlines, or creation time—are vividly expressed through their art forms. “For artists from remote areas of the Australian continent, their lives continue to be
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Wilhelm Sasnal's California roads drive into BLUM for first solo show

LOS ANGELES, CA.— BLUM is presenting Polish artist Wilhelm Sasnal’s first solo exhibition with the gallery. Resisting a singular painting style—abstractions edging in on dreamy figuration—for his first exhibition at BLUM, Wilhelm Sasnal explores the iconography and visual lexicon of the roadways of Southern California. Painting from photographs and sketches, Sasnal captures imagery from a brief time spent living in Los Angeles as a cyclist—someone intimately familiar with the texture, palette, and imagery of the region's thoroughfares. The resulting body of work shares themes with film noir—examining the complexities of black as a lack of color; these vignettes are all at once dramatic, brooding, and exhilarating. After studying painting at the Academy of Fine Arts in Kraków, Sasnal set out to create paintings that undid the restrictive methodology associated with formal painting. Making work that was more about drawing with paint than painting and preferring graphic novels or r
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National Museum Cardiff hosts first UK presentation of Sir John Akomfrah's Listening All Night To The Rain

CARDIFF.— Sir John Akomfrah’s Listening All Night To The Rain is a multimedia installation which was commissioned by the British Council for the British Pavillion at the 60th Venice Biennale in 2024. Amgueddfa Cymru is the first venue to host the exhibition as it tours across the UK. This profound work was originally presented in Venice as a series of eight overlapping works, known as ‘Cantos’. Amgueddfa Cymru is delighted to present Cantos IV, V and VI at National Museum Cardiff from 24 May – 7 September 2025, with the tour supported by the British Council and Art Fund. Akomfrah, who lives and works in London, is renowned for his influence on experimental film and the study of colonial history and racialised identity. This work is no exception. Beautiful imagery is contrasted with painful truths as the pieces weave together narratives of migration, rebellion, activism, discrimination and environmental impact. It pays
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Pre-Columbian jade and gold, Hopi jewelry from Charles Loloma and more lead Heritage auction

DALLAS, TX.— This June 13, Heritage’s Ethnographic Art Signature® Auction includes outstanding examples of American Indian, Pre-Columbian, and Tribal Art. “This auction brings together an extraordinary range of ethnographic art—from the refined abstraction of ancient Olmec carving to the bold visual language of Cheyenne beadwork,” says Delia Sullivan, Heritage’s Director of Ethnographic Art. “With over 500 lots, there is something for every collector: accessible works for new enthusiasts and rare, museum-quality pieces with deep cultural resonance.” Objects carved from jade were the most valuable possessions in ancient Olmec society, the "mother culture” of Mesoamerica. Jade remains cool to the touch—a magical quality in the tropics—and its blue-green color was associated with water and growing plants, making it a symbol of life-force and agricultural fertility. Elegant
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Prado Museum hits 1,000 Instagram live streams, revolutionizing art access

MADRID.— Get ready to celebrate with the Museo Nacional del Prado! Tomorrow marks a huge milestone for the iconic Spanish institution as its daily Instagram Live broadcasts hit an incredible 1,000 episodes. What started as a modest experiment has blossomed into a global phenomenon, bringing the magic of art to millions. Since November 2019, when the broadcasts became a permanent fixture as part of the Prado's Bicentennial celebrations, these short, engaging morning sessions have racked up over 87 million views and nearly 7 million likes. It’s clear they’ve become a beloved way to experience art that's open, accessible, and connects with people from all walks of life. The Prado's journey on Instagram Live is a testament to how museums can truly transform in the digital age. It all began quietly in August 2017, a simple peek at the artworks before the museum opened its doors. But eager followers quickly asked for more, wanting to rewatch the videos. This feedback turned the
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Pacita Abad archives join Stanford's landmark collection of Asian American artists

NEW YORK, NY.— Tina Kim Gallery shared that Stanford University has acquired the complete Pacita Abad Archives, a transformative gift from the Pacita Abad Art Estate—marking one of the most significant archival acquisitions of an Asian American artist in recent history. Spanning over 120 linear feet and more than three decades of material, the Archives offer a sweeping view into Pacita’s singular life and practice: from her early days in the Bay Area to her kaleidoscopic trapunto paintings, political works, and global travels across over 60 countries. The collection includes thousands of unpublished items—photographs, sketches, letters, and ephemera—culminating in a dynamic portrait of an artist who redefined the language of contemporary art. Now housed at the Cantor Arts Center and Stanford Libraries’ Department of Special Collections, the archive will be fully
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Julien's Auctions: Day two of Music Icons results announced

NEW YORK, NY.— Julien’s Auctions, the world’s premier celebrity auction house, struck a powerful chord with collectors and music fans alike this week during the second day of its prestigious “MUSIC ICONS” auction. Held at the Hard Rock Cafe in the heart of Times Square, the two-day event concluded Sunday, May 31, showcasing nearly 700 rare pieces tied to some of the most influential figures in music history. From stage-played guitars to handwritten lyrics, iconic fashion, and personal artifacts, the auction featured an unprecedented collection from music royalty including Queen, Bruce Springsteen, Prince, Sting, Eric Clapton, Eddie Van Halen, Madonna, Johnny Cash, The Doors, Taylor Swift, Paul McCartney, Elton John, Britney Spears, Christine McVie, Dolly Parton, Bob Dylan, The Rolling Stones, Nirvana, Aerosmith, and more. “Music Icons is the ultimate annual rock and roll auction event for collectors, fans and musicians alike that invites all to relive the incredible music an
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Ruby City hires Manager of Public Programs

SAN ANTONIO, TX.— Ruby City announced the appointment of Ashley Mireles as its new Manager of Public Programs. A multidisciplinary artist, educator, and seasoned arts administrator, Mireles brings over two decades of experience in cultural programming and a deep commitment to community engagement through the arts. “We are thrilled to welcome Ashley to the Ruby City team,” said Elyse A. Gonzales, Director of Ruby City. “Her unique blend of programmatic insight, passion for public engagement and artistic vision aligns beautifully with our mission to make contemporary art accessible to all. She will be instrumental in shaping inclusive and dynamic programming for our audiences.” Since 2022 Mireles served as the Public Art Curator for the San Antonio River Foundation, where she spearheaded impactful initiatives such as Art In the Open, a program that brought site-specific performances and installations to the San Antonio River. In this capacity
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Abstract art was for us (the Dadaists) tantamount to absolute honor.
Richard Huelsenbeck

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National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Seoul presents Looking After Each Other

MMCA Seoul presents Looking After Each Other, a thematic exhibition exploring the diverse conditions of different bodies and the possibilities that emerge from their interdependent relations. The exhibition reimagines the museum as a public space welcoming all bodies—those who are healthy, elderly, disabled, or living with illness—and as a site for experimenting with modes of encounter and relationship. It highlights aesthetic practices that challenge conventional notions of “vulnerable bodies” and offers strategies for embracing bodily difference, broadening awareness of corporeal diversity, and contributing to the common good through mutual care and understanding. Organized around three interwoven themes—Inclining Bodies, Odd Communities, and When Different Bodies Meet—the exhibition features over 40 works by 15 artists and collectives across drawing,

Santosh Varghese joins Heritage's Fine & Rare Wine Department

Heritage Auctions announced that Santosh Varghese has joined its Fine & Rare Wine Department as Consignment Director, bringing a dynamic blend of global business acumen, deep wine expertise and a strong background in strategic marketing within the fine wine industry. Varghese, who is based in Heritage’s New York City office, began his career in investment banking in London and New York before transitioning into the wine industry. He held key roles at Zachys Wine Auctions as Wine Specialist and Marketing and Public Relations Manager, and later at VINTUS, where he launched and led Fida Wine, the company’s direct-to-consumer platform, working closely with collectors to source and offer rare and highly sought-after wines. In his new position at Heritage Auctions, Varghese will focus on working with collectors nationwide to bring exceptional wine

New stellar space gallery opening at the Science Museum this autumn

Today, as the Exploring Space gallery closes after welcoming tens of millions of visitors over four decades, the Science Museum announced that its new Space gallery will open to the public on Saturday 20 September 2025. This significant gallery will bring together objects that celebrate the first space age and the future of space exploration, including cutting-edge prototype technology created in the UK and never before displayed. There will be plenty of opportunities to discover more about our galaxy, space exploration and how astronauts go to the toilet with free activities taking place throughout summer at the Science Museum. The Space Show, a stellar new free family show in the Lecture Theatre, will invite visitors to see and take part in science demonstrations and live experiments. Sir Ian Blatchford, Director and Chief Executive of the Science Museum Group, said:

White Cube opens an exhibition of works by Salvatore Emblema

The work of late Italian artist Salvatore Emblema (1929–2006) emerges from a sustained and rigorous investigation into light, wherein transparency is used as a device to reformulate the boundaries of painting. Born in Terzigno in 1929, a small town on the slopes of Mount Vesuvius, Emblema was deeply attuned to the volcanic terrain of southern Italy, where he lived and worked for most of his life. Spanning four decades of Emblema’s career, this exhibition charts the influence of landscape on the material composition and conceptual foundations of his work, as well as his evolving engagement with site, matter and surface. Working in relative geographic isolation in the Neapolitan countryside, Emblema remained at a distance from the dominant artistic centres of the mid-20th century. While his work bore affinities with movements shaping the artistic milieus of the time in northern

'American Legend' exhibition to offer an out-of-this-world collection of rare space photos

A partnership between Columbus State University's Bo Bartlett Center and its Coca-Cola Space Science Center will provide a rare glimpse into American space exploration. The summer-long exhibition features hundreds of never-before-displayed photos, many captured through the personal lens of astronaut David R. Scott during the late 1960s and early 1970s. The exhibition, entitled “American Legend: Images from Space that Fire the Imagination,” runs from June 3 through Aug. 2 at the Bo Bartlett Center. The 27 photographs that comprise the exhibition are from Scott’s personal collection—many taken from his own perspective as a member of the Gemini VIII, Apollo 9 and Apollo 15 space missions—and will be displayed publicly for the first time. “This summer-long exhibition provides us the space to bring items from the Scott collection out of storage for the benefit

Turner's House presents new exhibition by Eileen Cooper RA & Sinta Tantra

To mark this milestone year, Turner’s House unveils a bold new exhibition that reimagines the artist’s private world through a contemporary lens. Light is Therefore Colour brings together Eileen Cooper RA and acclaimed artist Sinta Tantra in an artistic dialogue with Turner’s Twickenham retreat, responding with site-specific work that explores memory, presence, and transformation. Complementing Turner’s Kingdom: Beauty, Birds and Beasts, also on view during this anniversary year, the show explores Turner’s legacy through contemporary responses to the house he designed and built as a personal retreat. Curated in partnership with Kristin Hjellegjerde Gallery, the exhibition invites both artists to engage deeply with Sandycombe Lodge through painting, installation, and architectural intervention. Their work reimagines the domestic space Turner once

Ayanna N. Hudson joins Americans for the Arts As Chief Programs Officer

Americans for the Arts (AFTA) today announced that Ayanna N. Hudson will serve as its Chief Programs Officer. Hudson will play a key role in leading and advancing programmatic initiatives to effectively serve AFTA’s membership and the broader arts community, as well as champion the arts and their essential role in society. With three decades of leadership, strategic direction, and relationship building, Ayanna has dedicated her career to expanding access to the arts for Americans. She has fostered inclusive participation in local communities across the country, particularly those with limited opportunities to experience cultural activities, and strengthening the arts ecosystem. During her 13-year tenure at the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), Ayanna held several senior roles, including Chief Strategy, Programs, and Engagement Officer. She oversaw three

Seoul Mediacity Biennale presents artists participating in 13th edition

Seoul Museum of Art announces that 49 artists and collectives will participate in the 2025 edition of the Biennale, titled Séance: Technology of the Spirit. Opening on August 26, this 13th edition of Seoul Mediacity Biennale will bring together work that speaks to our historical moment by artists from the mid-nineteenth century through to the present day. Curated by Anton Vidokle, Hallie Ayres, and Lukas Brasiskis, Séance: Technology of the Spirit is a thematic exhibition focusing on the influence of mystical and spiritual experience on the development of modern and contemporary art. Starting with the revolutionary practice of artists-mediums such as Georgiana Houghton, Hilma af Klint, Onisaburo Deguchi, and Emma Kunz, the Biennale will spiral out to encompass the influence of shamanism on Nam June Paik and Joseph Beuys, transcendental experience in the early experimental
Flashback: On a day like today, Danish artist Nicolai Abildgaard died
Nicolai Abraham Abildgaard (September 11, 1743 - June 4, 1809) was a Danish neoclassical and royal history painter, sculptor, architect, and professor of painting, mythology, and anatomy at the New Royal Danish Academy of Art in Copenhagen, Denmark. Many of his works were in the royal Christiansborg Palace (some destroyed by fire 1794), Fredensborg Palace, and Levetzau Palace at Amalienborg. In this image: Nicolai Abildgaard (1743 - 1809), The Archangel Michael and Satan Disputing about the Body of Moses. ARoS Aarhus Kunstmuseum. C. 1782. Oil on canvas, 49.7 x 61.7 cm.

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