The British Government has placed a temporary export ban on a 16th century drawing by Raphael, in hopes that a British buyer will come forth to keep the work in the country.  Head of a Young Apostle (1519-1521) was sold at auction in December for £29 million, setting the auction record for a work on paper at three times its estimate.  “I hope that placing a temporary export bar on the Raphael will allow time for a UK buyer to come forward and secure this magnificent example of Raphael’s work for the nation.”  Says British Arts Minister Ed Vaizey. (more…)

Catherine Opie, Julie & Pigpen (2012), via Regen Projects

The photographic work of artist Catherine Opie has long been interested with context, how the architecture of the frame, staging, and positioning of the subjects opens the door to new readings, implications and relationships within the work itself.  Blending historical references with cultural signifiers and assiduous attention to the color and detail, Opie’s work initiates striking dialogues on identity and meaning in American culture.

Catherine Opie (Installation View), via Regen Projects

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German Renaissance artist Albrecht Dürer’s 1515 woodcut “The Rhinoceros” has sold at Christie’s in New York City for $866,500, setting a new record for the artist’s works.  Originally estimated at $100,000 to $150,000, the price of the piece quickly exceeded its estimate.  While some highly valued works, including Knight, Death and The Devil failed to attract bidders, Dürer’s record price for a single work was broken three consecutive times over the one-hour auction.   (more…)