Francis Bacon is one of the leading contemporary 20th century painter (in case you didn't know). Well an electrician who did some work for him 20 years ago kept the trash and refuse from his studio in some bags. They just sold at auction for a million pounds. That's about 2 million dollars! Join discussion...

This article is about Sotheby's, an art auction house in New York, NY. They recently (yesterday) had an auction of Impressionistic and modern art. Many of the pieces (approximately 22%) sold under their expected range. About 32% sold in their expected price range. 20% of the art sold above range. But, 26% of the art did not sell. Two stock-market analysts have lowered their rating of Sotheby's. Next week's Contemporary Art auction has a cloud of uncertainty over it. Join discussion...

Last Friday New York had its first ever Asian Contemporary Art Fair. Zhang Xiaogang is one of the young artists from the Sichuan School to come from China most recently. His artwork "Chapter of a New Century -- Birth of the People's Republic of China," was sold at an auction in New York for over more than three million dollars (which was better than expected). His artwork was featured in the Contemporary Asian Art fair. Join discussion...

Christie's in London is going to have an Old Master auction from the collection of Anton Philips, a collector of such work. The highlight of these is a study by Sir Peter Paul Rubens of a man's head which is estimated to sell for 4-6 million pounds. Other works include those by Lievens and a Madonna and Child by Gentileschi. Check out the link for more details! Join discussion...

"Liz (Colored Liz)" by Andy Warhol earned less than its 25-35 million dollar estimate, selling for only $23.7 million at Christie's on November 14th. The 1963 work, purchased by Hugh Grant for $3.6 million, appreciated hugely but was perhaps overvalued by auction officials. Many other modern and pop artists' work sold exceptionally well, as with a 1955 Rothko that fetched the evening's highest bid: $34.2 million for "Untitled." This auction, and the others of the season, are being closely watched for signs of art market stagnation. Join discussion...

Damien Hurst, an usual new artist, recently auctioned his latest works: several animals preserved in formaldehyde, amongst other pieces. He made over 200 million dollars. However, rather than employing art dealers to help sell his work, he made auctioning his work the first step. This is rare for artists to do. This saves Hirst from having to pay the high fee that dealers charge for their services. The main attraction is "The Golden Calf," which is a calf submerged in formaldehyde, with golden hoofs and horns. Hirst has invited serveral well-known art collectors to attend this exciting event. Hirst is becoming known for creating unusual pieces of artwork every year. Last year, he created a real diamond studded human skull. However, he is receiving generally favorable responses from the art community for his work. His work is becoming known as collector's items, that many modern art collectors are eager to purchase. Join discussion...

In London Damien Hirst, the artist, announced that the diamond-encrusted skull will go to auction if it does not find a buyer. In a French magazine Hirst said, "I sold 2/3 [of the diamond skull] to an investment company, I kept 1/3...We have an agreement. If they can’t sell it privately, within eight years, it will go to auction.” The skull is called For the Love of God and its asking price back in June 2007 was around 50 million. Now, for the entire skull, it is around 100 million; there is a group of people who are interested in purchasing the skull. On Novermber 1, the skull goes on display at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, its first stop on its global tour. Join discussion...

Christie's International, which is an auction house in London, has recently cut a huge amount of jobs due to low auction sales. The company is cutting numerous jobs to help save money over the next few months. Recent auctions failed to sell over 1/3 of the art. This is due to economic weakness among other things. While they don't plan to sell the company, the top members of the company are doing their best to get auction sales up and make up for poor sales. Join discussion...

The legendary, yet highly secretive art collection of the late Yves Saint Laurent and his living former life partner, Pierre Bergé is to go up for auction next month in Paris. The sale of the collection is estimated to bring in nearly €300 million, even with the present economic conditions being so rough. It is a heavily varied collection, including everything from paintings, to medallions, to even furniture. It was mainly held in the apartment that Saint Laurent and Bergé at rue de Babylone.The auction, though held at the Grand Palais in Paris, France, will be facilitated by Christie's, in coalition with Pierre Bergé & Associates Auctioneers. Join discussion...

According to this article, Mr. Janssens, the owner of the country inn where van Gogh passed away, is trying to purchase on of his masterpieces. His quest is to fulfill van Goghs dream of having a gallery display in his own cafe. He has tryed to turn the inn back to the orriginal restaruant that it was, restoring the same feel as van Gogh had himself. The only missing piece is in the room where van Gogh passed away. The painting of wheat fields, "The Fields", which is about to go on auction, symbolizes his later life and the emotions van Gogh had at this time. Janssens is trying to raise money for this 28-35 or more million dollar work of art. He has started a website to raise money and says he wont give up untill he gets his own van Gogh Join discussion...