19.12.09

NATIONAL GALLERY OF SCOTLAND TO DISPLAY RECOVERED DA VINCI PAINTING 'THE MADONNA OF THE YARNWINDER'


THE NATIONAL GALLERY OF SCOTLAND ANNOUNCED THAT THE PAINTING, 'THE MADONNA OF THE YARNWINDER' BY LEONARDO DA VINCI WILL GO ON DISPLAY IN THE GALLERY. IN 2003 IT WAS STOLEN FROM DRUMLANRIG CASTLE, THE DRUMFRIESSHIRE HOME OF THE DUKE OF BUCCLEUCH AND QUEENSBERRY. THE PAINTING WAS RECOVERED IN 2007. 'THE MADONNA OF THE YARNWINDER' IS THE ONLY PAINTING BY DA VINCI IN SCOTLAND AND IS ON LOAN TO THE GALLERY FROM THE DUKE AND THE TRUSTEES OF THE BUCCHLEUCH HERITAGE TRUST. IN THIS PIONEERING AND INFLUENTIAL COMPOSITION, AN UNUSUALLY LARGE CHRIST CHILD IS SHOWN PERCHED ON A ROCKY OUTCROP BESIDE HIS MOTHER. HE GAZES INTENTLY AT THE CROSS-SHAPED FORM OF A WOODEN YARNWINDER, PRECOCIOUSLY AWARE OF HIS FUTURE CRUCIFIXION. THE VIRGIN'S TENDER, SORROWFUL EXPRESSION AND HESITANT GESTURE REINFORCE THE POIGNANCY OF THE ACTION. THERE HAS BEEN MUCH DEBATE REGARDING THE EXTENT OF DA VINCI'S DIRECT INVOLVEMENT IN THE PAINTING, BUT IT SEEMS LIKELY THAT THE OVERALL DESIGN, AND THE EXECUTION OF THE FIGURES AND THE FOREGROUND ROCKS, ARE ENTIRELY HIS. THE BACKGROUND LANDSCAPE, ON THE OTHER HAND, IS NOT CHARACTERISTIC OF DA VINCI, AND WAS PROBABLY ADDED OR COMPLETED BY ANOTHER ARTIST, POSSIBLY QUITE A BIT LATER. TECHNICAL EXAMINATION HAS REVEALED LANDSCAPE FEATURES AND FIGURES IN THE BACKGROUND THAT ARE NO LONGER VISIBLE ON THE SURFACE. THAT SOME OF THESE REAPPEAR IN EARLY COPIES AND VARIANTS OF THE COMPOSITION SUPPORTS THE IDEA THAT THE BACKGROUND MAY HAVE BEEN LEFT UNFINISHED BY DA VINCI AND COMPLETED ONLY LATER. THE PAINTING WAS THE FOCUS OF AN EXHIBITION, 'LEONARDO DA VINCI: THE MYSTERY OF THE MADONNA OF THE YARNWINDER', ORGANIZED AT THE NATIONAL GALLERY OF SCOTLAND IN 1992.

LOUIS VUITTON 'CASINO TRUNK'


FOR THE OPENING OF ITS NEWEST FLAGSHIP BOUTIQUE IN MACAU, WHICH IS ONE OF THE LARGEST IN THE WORLD, LOUIS VUITTON HAS UNVEILED AN EXCLUSIVE NEW COLLECTION HEADLINED BY A BESPOKE CASINO TRUNK. AVAILABLE BY SPECIAL ORDER ONLY, THE STUNNING CASINO TRUNK CONTAINS SPECIAL DRAWERS AND COMPARTMENTS HOUSING A ROULETTE WHEEL, GREEN BAIZE GAME CLOTHS, PLAYING CARDS, POKER CHIPS, GAMBLING DICE AND A BANKER'S BRIEFCASE. 'THE OPENING OF THIS STORE AND THE INVESTMENT IT REPRESENTS REFLECTS LOUIS VUITON'S CONFIDENCE IN THIS MARKET AND THE APPRECIATION BY THE LOCAL CUSTOMER OF THE QUALITY AND CRAFTSMANSHIP OF LOUIS VUITTON'S PRODUCT RANGE', DECLARED VUITTON CEO YVES CARCELLE.

AUSCHWITZ 'ARBEIT MACHT FREI' SIGN STOLEN


THE INFAMOUS IRON SIGN BEARING THE NAZIS' CYNICAL SLOGAN 'ARBEIT MACHT FREI' THAT SPANNED THE MAIN ENTRANCE TO THE FORMER AUSCHWITZ DEATH CAMP, IN SOUTHERN POLAND WHERE MORE THAN 1 MILLION PEOPLE DIED, WAS STOLEN BEFORE DAWN FRIDAY, POLISH POLICE SAID. THE HEAVY 16 FOOT LONG, 90 POUND SIGN WAS UNSCREWED ON ONE SIDE AND TORN OFF ON THE OTHER SIDE, POLICE SPOKESPERSON KATARZYNA PADLO SAID. THE THEFT OF THE SIGN BEARING THE GERMAN WORDS FOR 'WORK SETS YOU FREE' BROUGHT IMMEDIATE CONDEMNATION FROM JEWISH LEADERS IN POLAND AND INTERNATIONALLY. THE SIGN DISAPPEARED FROM THE AUSCHWITZ MEMORIAL BETWEEN 3:30am AND 5am, PADLO SAID. THE THIEVES APPEAR TO HAVE KNOWN THE AREA WELL, SHE ADDED. POLICE HAVE LAUNCHED AN INTENSIVE HUNT, WITH SOME TWO DOZEN CRIMINAL INVESTIGATORS AND A SEARCH DOG SENT TO THE GROUNDS OF THE VAST COMPLEX, WHOSE BARRACKS, WATCHTOWERS AND RUINS OF GAS CHAMBERS STILL STAND AS TESTAMENT TO THE ATROCITIES INFLICTED BY NAZI GERMANY DURING WORLD WAR II. AN EXACT REPLICA OF THE SIGN, MADE BY THE MUSEUM AFTER WORLD WAR II, WAS IMMEDIATELY HUNG IN PLACE OF THE MISSING ORIGINAL TO FILL THE EMPTY SPACE, BUT ALL VISITORS WERE BEING INFORMED ABOUT THE THEFT, A SPOKESPERSON FOR THE MUSEUM SAID IN A STATEMENT. THE MUSEUM HAD THE REPLICA MADE TO HANG WHEN RESTORATION WORK HAS BEEN REQUIRED ON THE ORIGINAL. THE SLOGAN 'ARBEIT MACHT FREI' WAS ALSO USED AT THE ENTRANCES TO OTHER CAMPS, INCLUDING DACHAU AND SACHSENHAUSEN. THE LONG CURVING SIGN AT AUSCHWITZ, IS, HOWEVER, IS THE BEST KNOWN. BETWEEN 1940 AND 1945, MORE THAN 1 MILLION PEOPLE WERE KILLED OR DIED OF STARVATION AND DISEASE WHILE CARRYING OUT FORCES LABOR AT THE CAMP, WHICH THE NAZIS BUILT IN OCCUPIED POLAND. TODAY THE SITE IS ONE OF THE MAIN DRAWS IN THE REGION FOR VISITORS FROM ABROAD AND POLISH STUDENTS, WITH MORE THAN 1 MILLION VISITORS PER YEAR.

THE ART FUND SAVES TO HISTORIC OBJECTS FROM SEATON DELAVAL HALL


LEADING INDEPENDENT ART CHARITY THE ART FUND RECENTLY ANNOUNCED THAT IT HAD HELPED SAVE TWO IMPORTANT OBJECTS HOUSED AT SEATON DELAVAL HALL, THE VANBRUGH MANSION WHICH HAS BEEN THE SUBJECT OF MAJOR FUND RAISING CAMPAIGN BY THE NATIONAL TRUST. THE ART FUND HAS PLEDGED £100,000, ENABLING THE HALL TO ACQUIRE THE 'FAIRFAX JEWEL' WHICH CONSISTS OF THREE ENAMELED ROUNDELS SET IN AN ENGRAVED, RECTANGULAR GILT-METAL PLAQUE, AND THE 'MARBLE BUST OF CHARLES II' BY BUSHNELL. NEWS OF THE CHARITY GRANT CAME ON THE SAME DAY THAT THE NATIONAL TRUST ANNOUNCED THAT SEATON DELAVAL HALL, CLOSE TO BLYTH IN SOUTH EAST NORTHUMBERLAND, HAD BEEN SAVED FOR THE NATION. BOTH PIECES REFLECT THE ROYAL CONNECTIONS OF THE DELAVAL AND ASTLEY FAMILIES, WHO HAVE OWNED THE ESTATE SINCE THE TIME OF THE NORMAN CONQUEST. THE ROUNDELS ON THE 'FAIRFAX JEWEL' WERE MADE BY PIERRE BORDIER, A WELL KNOWN MINIATURIST AT THE TIME. ANDREW MACDONALD OF THE ART FUND SAID: 'THE PIECE 'FAIRFAX JEWEL' OFFERS A FASCINATING GLIMPSE AT THE POLITICAL WORLD OF THE 17th CENTURY, WHILST THE CHARLES II BUST IS AN IMPORTANT REMINDER OF THE ASTLEY FAMILY'S LOYALTY TO THE CROWN. WE ARE PLEASED TO HAVE PLAYED A PART IN SAVING THESE TWO ITEMS FOR THE NATION, TO GO ON DISPLAY FOR ALL TO ENJOY NOW THE HALL HAS BEEN SAVED FOR POSTERITY.' THE TWO ITEMS WILL GO ON DISPLAY IN SPRING 2010, WHEN SEATON DELAVAL HALL OPENS TO THE PUBLIC.

18.12.09

QUEEN ELIZABETH II JOINS COMMUTERS ON STANDARD TRAIN TO NORFOLK




RAIL PASSENGERS RECEIVED A SURPRISE RECENTLY WHEN QUEEN ELIZABETH II BOARDED AN ORDINARY TRAIN SERVICE ALONGSIDE COMMUTERS AS SHE TRAVELED TO NORFOLK FOR HER CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY BREAK. THE QUEEN SHUNNED TAKING THE ROYAL TRAIN AND INSTEAD OPTED FOR A FIRST CLASS SEAT ON THE 10.45am FIRST CAPITAL CONNECT SERVICE FROM LONDON'S KING'S CROSS TO KING'S LYNN ON THURSDAY. SHE WAS MAKING THE JOURNEY TO REACH HER PRIVATE SANDRINGHAM ESTATE, WHERE SHE IS DUE TO SPEND THE FESTIVE HOLIDAYS WITH THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH AND OTHER MEMBERS OF THE ROYAL FAMILY. THE QUEEN ARRIVED WITH LITTLE FUSS 10 MINUTES BEFORE THE SCHEDULED TRAIN DEPARTED AND WALKED DOWN THE PLATFORM TO REACH HER CARRIAGE. BEFORE BOARDING THE TRAIN SHE WAS PRESENTED WITH A POSY TO WELCOME HER TO THE SERVICE. SHE THEN TOOK A WINDOW SEAT IN A FIRST CLASS COMPARTMENT, ACCOMPANIED BY A ROYAL PROTECTION OFFICER, BEFORE THE TRAIN PULLED OUT OF THE STATION ON TIME. THE ROYAL TRAIN IS AVAILABLE TO THE QUEEN BUT SHE HAS USED SCHEDULED SERVICES OVER THE YEARS. LAST MONTH SHE BOARDED AN EVERYDAY TRAIN TO TRAVEL TO ELY CATHEDRAL IN CAMBRIDGESHIRE AND IN 2007 TOOK ANOTHER REGULAR SERVICE TO MILTON KEYNES FOR AN ENGAGEMENT. FOR HER JOURNEY ON THURSDAY, THE QUEEN WAS DRESSES CONSERVATIVELY IN A COLOURED HEADSCARF AND A LARGE WINTER COAT. SHE SAT IN THE LAST CARRIAGE FACING THE ENGINE FOR THE 95 MINUTE JOURNEY WHICH COSTS £44.40 FOR A FIRST CLASS TICKET AND £27.70 FOR A STANDARD SEAT. THE DUKE IS ALREADY AT SANDRINGHAM HOUSE WHICH HAS BEEN THE PRIVATE HOME OF THE BRITISH MONARCH SINCE 1862. THE QUEEN AND OTHER MEMBERS OF THE ROYAL FAMILY REGULARLY SPEND CHRISTMAS AT THE LARGE HOME AND MAKE IT THEIR OFFICIAL BASE UNTIL FEBRUARY EACH YEAR.

MICHELANGELO'S 'CHRIST ON THE CROSS' MAY BE A FAKE


AN INVESTIGATION HAS BEEN LAUNCHED INTO WHETHER THE ITALIAN GOVERNMENT PAID £2.9 MILLION FOR A FAKED FIGURE OF CHRIST ON THE CROSS, SAID TO HAVE BEEN CREATED BY MICHELANGELO. THE WOODEN CARVING WAS BOUGHT A YEAR AGO FROM AN ART DEALER BASED IN TURIN, WHO INSISTED IT WAS GENUINE AND HAD BEEN ACQUIRED FROM A FLORENTINE FAMILY. HE INITIALLY ASKED FOR £13 MILLION FOR THE HISTORIC ARTIFACT BUT EVENTUALLY AGREED TO ACCEPT JUST UNDER £3 MILLION PROSECUTORS IN ROME WHO SPECIALIZE IN ART FRAUD OPENED AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE DEAL THIS WEEK. THEY WILL SCRUTINIZE DOCUMENT FROM A COURT IN LAZIO, WHICH FIRST STARTED INVESTIGATING THE MYSTERY IN THE SUMMER AFTER SUSPICIONS WERE RAISED THAT THE STATE HAD WASTED ITS MONEY ON A WRONGLY ATTRIBUTED WORK. GREAT FANFARE SURROUNDED THE PURCHASE OF THE WOODEN FIGURE LAST DECEMBER. IT WAS PRESENTED TO POPE BENEDICT XVI, EXHIBITED AT THE ITALIAN PARLIAMENT AND THEN SENT ON TOUR OF THE COUNTRY IN AN EXHIBITION WHICH ATTRACTED THOUSANDS OF VISITORS. THERE WERE EVEN PLANS TO LEND IT TO THE NATIONAL GALLERY IN WASHINGTON AS A WAY OF HONORING PRESIDENT OBAMA. BUT SEVERAL PROMINENT ART EXPERTS HAVE SAID THEY BELIEVE THE CHRIST FIGURE WAS MADE BY AN ARTIST OTHER THAN MICHELANGELO. IT WAS FIRST ATTRIBUTED TO MICHELANGELO, AFTER YEARS OF SCRUTINY, BY EXPERTS FROM THE UNIVERSITIES OF FLORENCE, SIENA AND PERUGIA IN 204. THE DIRECTOR OF THE VATICAN MUSEUMS SAID THAT WHILE THERE WAS NO CAST-IRON GUARANTEE THAT MICHELANGELO CARVED THE STATUE, THE ATTRIBUTION TO THE RENAISSANCE GENIUS WAS BASED ON 'VERY REASONABLE GROUNDS'.

MASONRY FALLS FROM BUCKINGHAM PALACE NARROWLY MISSING A POLICE OFFICER


A LARGE PIECE OF MASONRY FELL FROM THE FACADE OF BUCKINGHAM PALACE, MISSING A METRO POLICE OFFICER ON PATROLLING THE PALACE GROUNDS. THE STONEWORK FELL CLOSE TO THE OFFICE OF THE KEEPER OF THE PRIVY PURSE, SIR ALAN REID. THE GOVERNMENT HAS CONSISTENTLY REFUSED ANY EXTRA MONEY TO HELP MEET THE COST OF A TOTAL REFURBISHMENT AND PRESERVATION OF THE PALACE DESPITE A SIMILAR INCIDENT IN 2007 IN WHICH LUMPS OF MASONRY AND STONE WORK NARROWLY MISSED PRINCESS ANNE AS SHE WAS PREPARING TO GET INTO HER CAR. THE ROYAL HOUSEHOLD RECEIVES AN ANNUAL BUDGET FOR BASIC REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCE AT ALL ROYAL RESIDENCES FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF CULTURE. LAST YEAR'S PAYOUT WAS £15.5 MILLION. THE LATEST PIECE OF STONE TO FALL WAS DESCRIBED BY A FRIEND OF THE ROYAL FAMILY, SPEAKING TO THE DAILY MAIL, AS 'QUITE A SUBSTANTIAL PIECE OF STONE.' 'PARTS OF THE BUILDING HAVE BEN SWATHED IN SCAFFOLDING FOR SO LONG THAT IT'S A JOKE, IT'S THE ONLY THING THAT KEEPS ITS FROM FALLING DOWN', SAID THE FRIEND. THE LATEST MASONRY FALL TOOK PLACE AT THE FRONT OF THE PALACE IN VIEW OF THE MAL. A PALACE SPOKESPERSON CONFIRMED THE INCIDENT HAPPENED 'RECENTLY' AND 'WAS WITNESSES BY A POLICE OFFICER' BUT INSISTED THE STONE WAS A 'SMALL PIECE' THAT COULD BE MEASURED 'IN INCHES RATHER THAN FEET'. IT WAS NOT KNOWN HOW CLOSE THE POLICE OFFICER WAS FROM THE FALLING STONE, THE SPOKESPERSON SAID. MANY ROOMS AT WINDSOR CASTLE AND BUCKINGHAM PALACE ARE LONG OVERDUE FOR REDECORATION, RESTORATION AND THE ELECTRICS AT THE PALACES ARE REPORTED TO BE LARGELY UNTOUCHED SINCE 1948.

17.12.09

MADONNA FEATURED IN NEW DOLCE & GABBANA SPRING/SUMMER 2010 CAMPAIGN


IN THIS WEEK'S ITALIAN EDITION OF VANITY FAIR IS THE EXCLUSIVE WORLDWIDE PREVIEW OF THE NEW DOLCE & GABBANA SPRING/SUMMER 2010 CAMPAIGN FEATURING THE ICONIC POP STAR MADONNA. THE STUNNING NEW PHOTO EDITORIAL IS INSPIRED BY THE CLASSIC ITALIAN NEO-REALISM CINEMA, AND SHOW A VERY DOMESTICATED MADONNA WASHING DISHES AND PREPARING FOOD AT A DINING TABLE. DESIGNERS DOMENICO DOLCE AND STEFANO GABBANA SAID; 'TO HAVE MADONNA IN OUR CAMPAIGN IS A DREAM COME TRUE.'

THE ROYAL ACADEMY CANCELS SHOW OF PRINCE OF LIECHTENSTEIN'S ART COLLECTION


A MAJOR LONDON EXHIBITION OF TREASURES FROM THE PRINCE OF LIECHTENSTEIN'S COLLECTION HAS BEEN CANCELED BECAUSE OF A DISPUTE OVER THE EXPORT OF ONE OF THE PRINCE'S PAINTINGS. THE SHOW BILLED AS ONE OF THE HIGHLIGHTS OF THE 2010 SEASON AT THE ROYAL ACADEMY, AND THE PRESTIGIOUS GALLERY IS NOW WORKING ON ALTERNATIVES TO FILL ITS MAIN GALLERIES BETWEEN SEPTEMBER AND DECEMBER NEXT YEAR. 'AFTER MONTHS OF PLANNING. . . WE ARE OF COURSE VERY DISAPPOINTED THAT THE PRINCE OF LIECHTENSTEIN HAS DECIDED TO CANCEL THE EXHIBITION', A SPOKESPERSON FOR THE GALLERY SAID. 'THIS IS OWING TO AN UNRELATED CRIMINAL INQUIRY INTO THE EXPORT OF A GROUP OF PAINTINGS BOUGHT IN LONDON BY THE PRINCE OVER THREE YEARS AGO.' THE DISPUTE CENTERS AROUND THE SPANISH RENAISSANCE PAINTING 'THE INFANTE DON DIEGO' BY SANCHEZ COELLO WHICH WAS PURCHASED BY THE PRINCE FROM THE BRITISH OWNER VIA A LONDON DEALER IN 2006. IN 2007 THE BRITISH AUTHORITIES DEFERRED A LICENSE TO EXPORT THE WORK, UNOFFICIALLY VALUED AROUND $3.3 MILLION, IN ORDER TO ALLOW TIME FOR AN ALTERNATIVE BUYER TO RAISE THE NECESSARY FUNDS TO KEEP IT IN THE COUNTRY. ACCORDING THE HM REVENUE 7 CUSTOMS, WHICH IS HANDLING THE CASE, THE PAINTING HAS BEEN RETURNED TO THE PRINCE'S REPRESENTATIVES BUT IS STILL BARRED FROM EXPORT. JOHANN KRAFTNER, DIRECTOR OF THE COLLECTION OF THE PRINCE OF LIECHTENSTEIN, TOLD REUTERS THAT NEITHER THE PRINCE NOR THE COLLECTION WERE ANY WAY INVOLVED IN THE INVESTIGATION. ACCORDING TO KRAFTNER, THE ONLY WAS THE SHOW COULD BE STAGED AS PLANNED WAS FOR THE PRINCE TO ACCEPT A BRITISH GOVERNMENT INDEMNITY TO PROTECT HIS LOANS, SINCE COMMERCIAL INSURANCE WOULD BE TOO EXPENSIVE FOR THE ROYAL ACADEMY TO AFFORD. 'WE HAVE BEEN ASKED TO ACCEPT TEH BRITISH STATE INDEMNITY', HE SAID. 'WE WORKED UP TO THE LAST MOMENT, WE FELT VERY BADLY TREATED.' HE SAID THE EXHIBITION, TO HAVE INCLUDED WORKS BY FLEMISH MASTER PETER PAUL RUBENS AMONG OTHERS, WOULD HAVE BEEN MORE SPECTACULAR THAN A 1985/6 SHOW OF THE PRINCE'S COLLECTION HELD IN NEW YORK. ANOTHER ROYAL ACADEMY 'BLOCKBUSTER', 'FROM RUSSIA', OPENED IN 2008 DESPITE A ROW OVER THE OWNERSHIP OF PRICELESS TREASURES THAT HAD THREATENED TO DERAIL IT. GOVERNMENT ASSURANCES THAT RUSSIA WOULD NOT LOSE DISPUTED PAINTINGS BY THE LIKES OF VAN GOGH AND CEZANNE HELPED SAVE THE EXHIBITION.

V&A ACQUIRES FOLIO OF ARTWORKS BY JAMES GILLRAY HIDDEN FOR OVER 100 YEARS


A UNIQUE ALBUM OF PORNOGRAPHIC CARTOONS BANNED FOR MORE THAN A CENTURY WENT ON SHOW RECENTLY AFTER GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS JUDGED THEM 'TAME' ENOUGH TO GO ON DISPLAY. FORTY IMAGES BY THE ONCE CONTROVERSIAL JAMES GILLRAY, A LEADING CARICATURIST OF THE LATE 1700s, WERE DISCOVERED BY WORKERS AT THE MINISTRY OF JUSTICE DURING AN OFFICE MOVE. THE HISTORIC ALBUM, BELIEVED TO HAVE BEEN SEIZED BY POLICE IN THE 1800s, HAS NOW BEEN TRANSFERRED TO THE PRINT COLLECTIONS OF THE VICTORIA & ALBERT MUSEUM. A SPOKESPERSON FOR THE MUSEUM SAID THE ALBUM FEATURED 'EXPLICITLY SEXUAL AND POLITICALLY OUTRAGEOUS' SUBJECT MATTER. IT JOINS ONE HELD BY THE V&A SINCE 1869, CONTAINING AROUND 500 OF THE ARTIST'S CARICATURES. DAVID PEARSON, AN OFFICIAL IN THE CRIMINAL LAW POLICY UNIT, FOUND THE FOLIO WEDGED BETWEEN A DESK AND A CABINET IN A BLACK BIN LINER. HE SAID: 'THE FOLIO WAS CAREFULLY WRAPPED UP ALONGSIDE A COLLECTION OF SEIZED MATERIAL THAT HAD BEEN HANDED TO THE OLD OBSCENE PUBLICATIONS UNIT OVER THE YEARS. THAT MATERIAL IS FAIRLY TAME BY TODAY'S STANDARDS, BUT WHEN I UNCOVERED THE FOLIO IT WAS CLEAR THAT IT WAS SOMETHING A LITTLE OUT OF THE ORDINARY. EVEN SO, AFTER SOME RESEARCH, I WAS AMAZED TO DISCOVER IT HAD SUCH HISTORICAL VALUE AND AM PLEASED TO NOW SEE THE PRINTS KEPT SAFE IN A SUITABLE PLACE.' GILLRAY WAS FAMOUS FOR SATIRIZING THE GREAT AND THE GOOD, FROM ROYALTY TO BRITISH POLITICIANS AND THE FRENCH ELITE. HE WAS SO TALENTED A TROUBLE MAKER THAT WILLIAM PITT THE YOUNGER ATTEMPTED TO BUY HIM OFF WITH A £200 A YEAR PENSION. THE PRINCE REGENT, WHO LATER BECAME KING GEORGE IV, BOUGHT AS MANY COPIES AS POSSIBLE TO LIMIT THEIR CIRCULATION. THE ARTIST EVENTUALLY DIED UNMARRIED AND INSANE IN 1815. IN THE ART WORLD GILLRAY'S DEPICTION OF THE FEET OF PRINCE FREDERICK, SECOND SON OF GEORGE III, AND HIS BRIDE PRINCESS FREDERICA, HAS ENDURED AS SHORT HAND SYMBOLISM OF SEX EVER SINCE.

16.12.09

DUCHESS OF CORNWALL EMBRACES KATE MIDDLETON'S CHARITY


IF THERE ARE ANY DOUBTS THAT KATE MIDDLETON HAS BEEN TAKEN UNDER THE WING OF THE ROYAL FAMILY, ONE NEED LOOK NO FURTHER THAN THE CHRISTMAS TREE DECORATIONS AT CLARENCE HOUSE. PRINCE WILLIAM'S GIRLFRIEND HAS BECOME CLOSELY ASSOCIATED WITH THE STARLIGHT CHILDREN'S FOUNDATION, WHICH AIMS TO BRIGHTEN THE LIVES OF SERIOUSLY ILL YOUNGSTERS. LAST WEEK, CHILDREN HELPED BY THE CHARITY WERE ASKED TO PUT THE DECORATIONS ON THE CHRISTMAS TREE AT THE LONDON HOME OF THE PRINCE OF WALES AND THE DUCHESS OF CORNWALL. 'THE DUCHESS THOUGHT IT WOULD BE NICE TO INVITE STARLIGHT TO DECORATE THE TREE', SAYS A SPOKESPERSON FOR CAMILLA, WHO BECAME INCREASINGLY CLOSE TO KATE IN THE PAST SEVERAL MONTHS. PARTY PIECES, THE PARTY PARAPHERNALIA FIRM OWNED BY KATE'S PARENTS HELPS STARLIGHT ORGANIZE EVENTS FOR THE STARLIGHT CHILDREN.

QUEEN ELIZABETH II UPGRADES HER CHRISTMAS GIFTS FOR 2009


QUEEN ELIZABETH II, FAMED FOR BEING THRIFTY AND FRUGAL, HAS UPGRADED THE CHRISTMAS GIFT FOR HER STAFF FROM LAST YEAR'S SIMPLE SET OF COASTERS TO A CRYSTAL WINE DECANTER. THE 2009 GIFT, WHICH IS ENGRAVED WITH THE EIIR ROYAL CIPHER, WILL BE HANDED TO HER EMPLOYEES WHEN THEY GATHER AT BUCKINGHAM PALACE FOR AN END OF YEAR DRINKS PARTY. 'IT'S A DEFINITE IMPROVEMENT ON LAST YEAR', ACCORDING TO AN INSIDER. 'BUT THERE'S BEEN A BIG SQUEEZE HERE LIKE THERE HAS BEEN EVERYWHERE ELSE.' ANYONE WHO HAS WORKED FOR THE QUEEN FOR MORE THAN A YEAR IS ELIGIBLE FOR THE GIFT, WHICH IS NORMALLY VALUED AT ABOUT £20. HOWEVER, WITH 800 STAFF, THE ROYAL HOUSEHOLD BUYS IN BULK AND CAN MAKE CONSIDERABLE SAVINGS. 'OF COURSE, IT'S NOT A SURPRISE BECAUSE ONE DECANTER HAS BEEN ON DISPLAY SO WE CAN ALL SEE WHAT WE ARE GETTING', A FOOTMAN TOLD THE DAILY MAIL. 'IT'S CRYSTAL AND QUITE HANDSOME. PEOPLE LIKE TO COLLECT THEM, ALTHOUGH, OF COURSE, SOME WILL BE ON EBAY BY THE END OF THE WEEK.' THE PARTY, HELD IN THE PALACE STATE ROOMS, WILL REMAIN TONED DOWN HOWEVER, AN INSIDER SAID. 'WE USED TO HAVE A DANCE WITH LOTS OF BOOZE, BUT NOW IT'S MORE LIKE A COCKTAIL PARTY', HE SAID. 'SENIOR COURTIERS MUCH PREFER IT BECAUSE IT MEANS THEY DON'T HAVE TO FRATERNIZE TOO MUCH WITH THE BELOW-STAIRS STAFF, BUT THE ROYAL FAMILY THEMSELVES ALWAYS SEEMED TO ENJOY IT.' THE QUEEN WILL BE JOINED AT THE RECEPTION BY PRINCE PHILIP AND PRINCESS ANNE AFTER THE LORD CHAMBERLAIN, EARL PEEL, HAS GIVEN HIS ANNUAL BRIEFING ABOUT THE YEAR ENDING AND THE 12 MONTHS AHEAD.

SCOTTISH NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY ADMITS PORTRAIT OF PRINCE CHARLES IS ACTUALLY OF HIS BROTHER


THE SCOTTISH NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY TODAY ADMITTED THAT A PORTRAIT OF BONNIE PRINCE CHARLIE, THOUGHT TO BE THE MOST IMPORTANT OF HIM, ACTUALLY DEPICTS HIS BROTHER. FOR MORE THAN 150 YEARS THE PASTEL, BY FRENCH ARTIST MAURICE QUENTIN DE LA TOUR, IS BELIEVED TO HAVE DEPICTED PRINCE CHARLES EDWARD STUART. BUT CURATORS AT THE GALLERY HAVE CONCEDED THAT THE IMAGE IS OF CHARLES'S YOUNGER BROTHER, PRINCE HENRY, AFTER SUSPICIONS WERE RAISED BY EXPERTS. THAT ARTIST MADE PORTRAITS IN THE MID-18th CENTURY OF BOTH BROTHERS, BUT THE PASTEL IN THE ONLY WORK THAT IS BELIEVED TO HAVE SURVIVED. ARGUMENTS HAVE RAGED ABOUT THE IDENTITY OF THE JACOBITE PORTRAIT SINCE THE SCOTTISH NATIONAL GALLERY BOUGHT THE WORK AT AUCTION FOR £22,000 IN 1994. SPECIALIST DR BENDOR GROSVENOR FIRST SUGGESTED THAT THE PORTRAIT HAD BEEN WRONGLY IDENTIFIED IN AN ARTICLE IN THE BRITISH ART JOURNAL LAST YEAR. BUT THE GALLERY RESPONDED THAT THE FACT THAT THE STUART PRINCE WAS WEARING ARMOUR TIPPED ARGUMENTS IN FAVOR OF PRINCE CHARLES EDWARD STUART, KNOWN AS BONNIE PRINCE CHARLIE, WHOSE MILITARY EXPLOITS WERE LEGENDARY. THE GALLERY CONCEDED THAT THE PORTRAIT WAS OF HENRY AFTER DR EDWARD CORP, AN AUTHORITY ON JACOBITE IMAGERY, WHO HAD PREVIOUSLY MAINTAINED THE WORK WAS OF CHARLES, DECIDED IT WAS ACTUALLY OF HENRY. HENRY BECAME A CARDINAL IN 1747, SHORTLY AFTER THE FAILURE OF CHARLES'S REBELLION AND WOULD OFTEN BE DEPICTED IN ROBES. BUT IT WOULD HAVE BEEN APPROPRIATE TO SEE HIM IN ARMOUR BEFORE HE BECAME CARDINAL YORK AS HE SERVED WITH THE FRENCH ARMY AT THE SIEGE OF ANTWERP IN 1746. DR BENDER SAID: 'THIS HAS BEEN THE DEFINITIVE PORTRAIT OF CHARLES. IT GRACES BIOGRAPHIES OF CHARLES AND IS USED BY THE OXFORD DICTIONARY OF NATIONAL BIOGRAPHY AS THE BEST LIKENESS OF HIM. EVERYONE THOUGHT THAT CHARLES WAS THIS DASHING YOUNG PRINCE WITH A SYMPATHETIC FACE. PEOPLE HAVE TENDED TO DRAW THE WRONG CONCLUSIONS BECAUSE THEY HAVE BEEN LOOKING AT THE WRONG GUY. A GALLERY SPOKESPERSON SAID: 'WE HAVE RE-ASSESSED OUR OWN POSITION AND, ON BALANCE, ACCEPT THAT IT IS MORE LIKELY THAT OUR PASTEL DEPICTS PRINCE HENRY BENEDICT, AND NOT HIS ELDER BROTHER. IT IS NOT UNCOMMON THAT SUCH RE-ATTRIBUTIONS ARE MADE, AS RESEARCH CONTINUES TO FILL IN THE GAPS IN OUR KNOWLEDGE, AND IT IS ALWAYS EXCITING TO UNCOVER NEW INFORMATION ABOUT THE WORKS IN OUR CARE. NONE OF THESE DEBATES DETRACT FROM THE GREATNESS OF THE PORTRAIT'

15.12.09

ELIZABETH TAYLOR MISSES JEWELRY BOUTIQUE DUE TO ILLNESS


A BOUT OF THE FLU KEPT ICON ACTRESS ELIZABETH TAYLOR FROM ATTENDING THE GRAND OPENING OF A BEVERLY HILLS JEWELRY BOUTIQUE WHICH FEATURED HER STUNNING JEWELRY DESIGNS FROM HOUSE OF TAYLOR JEWELRY. TAYLOR WAS EXPECTED TO BE AT THE OPENING AS A SPECIAL GUEST, BUT AFTER WAITING FOR OVER THREE HOURS FOR HER, HER FANS AND SHOP GUESTS WERE TOLD BY A TAYLOR SPOKESPERSON THAT SHE WOULD NOT BE ARRIVING DUE TO ILLNESS. THE HOUSE OF JEWELRY OPENING WAS ATTENDED BY MARILU HENNER, MARIA CONCHITA ALONSO, KEVIN SORBO AND FRANCES FISHER AMONG OTHERS.
IT HAS BEEN TOUGH FEW YEARS FOR BOTH TAYLOR AND HER EPONYMOUS BRAND OF COUTURE JEWELRY. TAYLOR HAS SUFFERED SEVERAL HEALTH CRISIS AND THE LOSS OF BELOVED FRIENDS WITHIN HER PERSONAL CIRCLE OF LOVED ONES, INCLUDING MICHAEL JACKSON. HER JEWELRY LINE BEGAN IN 2005 WHEN MIRABELLE LUXURY CONCEPTS AND TECHLINE JEWELRY MERGED ENTITIES OWNED BY KATHY IRELAND AND TAYLOR TO FORM THE HOUSE OF TAYLOR JEWELRY. THE NEW COMPANY STRUGGLED TO GAIN FOOTING AND WAS EVENTUALLY DELISTED FROM THE NASDAQ IN 2008. IN NOVEMBER 2008, HOUSE OF TAYLOR JEWELRY FILED A VOLUNTARY PETITION FOR LIQUIDATION UNDER CHAPTER 7 IN BANKRUPTCY COURT.

SMITHSONIAN TO PRESENT THE 31.6 CARAT 'WITTELSBACH-GRAFF DIAMOND'


ONE OF THE WORLD'S MOST EXTRAORDINARY GEMSTONES, THE 'WITTELSBACH-GRAFF DIAMOND', WILL BE ON DISPLAY AT THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY, WASHINGTON, DC, 28.JANUARY THROUGH 1.AUGUST.2010. THIS WILL BE THE FIRST TIME IT HAS BEEN AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC IN MORE THAN 50 YEARS. A DIAMOND OF RARE DEEP-BLUE AND WEIGHING 31.06 CARATS, THE 'WITTELSBACH-GRAFF DIAMOND' WILL BE PRESENTED IN THE 'NATIONAL GEM COLLECTION' IN THE HALL OF GEOLOGY, GEMS AND MINERALS, WHERE THE RENOWNED HOPE DIAMOND IS ON PERMANENT VIEW. THE 'WITTELSBACH-GRAFF DIAMOND' HAS LONG BEEN RUMORED TO HAVE ORIGINATED FROM THE SAME DIAMOND MINE IN INDIA AS THE HOPE DIAMOND. SMITHSONIAN SCIENTISTS WILL EXPLORE THIS MYSTERY WHILE THE DIAMOND IS IN THEIR CARE. THE 'WITTELSBACH-GRAFF DIAMOND' HAS AN ILLUSTRIOUS HISTORY, DATING BACK TO 1664 WHEN IT WAS GIVEN BY PHILIP IV OF SPAIN TO HIS DAUGHTER, THE INFANTA MARGARITA TERESA, UPON HER ENGAGEMENT TO EMPEROR LEOPOLD I OF AUSTRIA. AFTER WORLD WAR I, BAVARIA BECAME A REPUBLIC AND THE CROWN JEWELS OF THE HOUSE OF WITTELSBACH WERE EVENTUALLY SOLD AT AUCTION AT CHRISTIE'S IN 1931. IN AN INCIDENT THAT HAS NEVER FULLY BEEN EXPLAINED, THE 'WITTELSBACH-GRAFF DIAMOND' DISAPPEARED BEFORE THE AUCTION AND WAS REPLACED BY A WORTHLESS PIECE OF BLUE, CUT GLASS. THE ACTUAL 'WITTELSBACH-GRAFF DIAMOND' RESURFACED IN BELGIUM IN 1951 AND WAS EVENTUALLY DISPLAYED, WITHOUT ATTRIBUTION, AT THE 'WORLD EXHIBITION' IN BRUSSELS IN 1958. THE DIAMOND WAS CORRECTLY IDENTIFIED IN 1962 BY A BELGIUM GEM EXPERT. IN DECEMBER 2008, THE 35.56 CARAT STONE WAS ACQUIRED BY LAURENCE GRAFF, AT AUCTION IN LONDON. GRAFF'S EXPERTISE IN GEMOLOGY ENABLED HIM TO SEE THE POTENTIAL IN REPOLISHING THE STONE, BRINGING TO IT MORE LIFE AND COLOUR WHILE AT THE SAME TIME MAKING IT INTERNALLY FLAWLESS. THE PROCESS BROUGHT THE STONE TO ITS CURRENT 31.06 CARATS. 'TO HAVE TWO OF THE WORLD'S MOST HISTORICAL STONE, 'WITTELSBACH-GRAFF' AND THE 'HOPE DIAMOND', DISPLAYED TOGETHER, IS A TESTAMENT TO THE STONES' HISTORY AND IMPORTANCE', SAID GRAFF. 'I BELIEVE THE DIAMONDS APPEARANCE AT THE SMITHSONIAN WILL REPRESENT ANOTHER SIGNIFICANT CHAPTER IN ITS REMARKABLE HISTORY.'

14.12.09

MOSCHINO HOLIDAY 2009: SANTA IN THERAPY



MOSCHINO ALWAYS TRIES TO FIND HUMOR IN ALMOST EVERYTHING AND THEIR NEW HOLIDAY WINDOW AT MOSCHINO'S WEST 14th STREET BOUTIQUE, NEW YORK, IS STUNNING PROOF THAT EVEN OUR BELOVED SANTA IS NOT SACRED TO THE DESIGN HOUSE'S WITTINESS. SANTA IS LYING DOWN IN A PSYCHIATRIST'S COUCH, POURING HIS HEART OUT TO HIS MOSCHINO CLAD THERAPIST WHO IS INTENTLY LISTENING HOLIDAY STRESSES. PERHAPS THE PROBLEM IS THE LITTLE DOG TEARING UP A LIST WHICH READS 'BIKE PONY BLUE BICYCLE PONIES TRICYCLE' TYPED OVER AND OVER -- IF ALL THE CHILDREN IN THE WORLD WANT BICYCLES AND PONIES, THEN THAT'S PUTTING A LOT ON THE SHOULDERS OF HIS ELVES. CHANCES ARE WE WILL NEVER TRULY KNOW WHAT IS TROUBLING SANTA, BUT ONE THING IS FOR SURE, THE WINDOW WILL CATCH PASSERBY OFF-GUARD. . .

LEVIEV ORANGE DIAMOND RING


LUXURY JEWELER LEVIEV IS RENOWNED FOR THEIR STUNNING AND UNIQUE DIAMONDS MINED FROM SOME OF THE MOST EXCLUSIVE SOURCES ALL OVER THE WORLD, ESPECIALLY THEIR COLOURED AND LARGE SIZE STONES. ONE OF THEIR RECENT HIGHLIGHTS IS A FANCY VIVID ORANGE COLOURED DIAMOND, WHICH IS AMONG THE RAREST COLOURS WITHIN THE DIAMOND COLOUR SPECTRUM. THE ORANGE COLOUR IS CAUSED BY THE PRESENCE OF A MINERAL TITANIUM-PYROPE. THE NEW LEVIEV ORANGE DIAMOND RING FEATURES A PEAR SHAPED FLAWLESS FANCY VIVID ORANGE DIAMOND WEIGHING FIVE CARATS SURROUNDED BY TWO PEAR AND THREE MARQUISE SHAPED FLAWLESS WHITE DIAMONDS TOTALLING ALMOST FIVE AND A HALF CARATS SET IN A PLATINUM SETTING.

LOUIS VUITTON, ONE CENTRAL MACAU


LEADER OF FRENCH LUXURY, STYLE, INNOVATION AND TRAVEL CULTURE, LOUIS VUITTON RECENTLY OPENED ITS FIRST MAISON IN MACAU AT ONE CENTRAL, MARKING ANOTHER AMAZING MILESTONE OF TEH DESIGN HOUSE IN ASIA PACIFIC, IN THE WORLD'S LATEST THRIVING DESTINATION OF ENTERTAINMENT AND HOSPITALITY. THE FOURTH AND THE GRANDEST OF THE MALLETIER'S BOUTIQUES IN MACAU, THE 3-LEVELED BUILDING CONNECTED TO ONE CENTRAL MALL, PROMOTES THE NEWEST FLAGSHIP SHOPPING DESTINATION ON PAR WITH THE 'HOST VENUES' OF LOUIS VUITTON MAISONS SUCH AS CHAMPS ELYSEES, CANTON ROAD AND LANDMARK IN HONK KONG, AND 5th AVENUE. WITH FULL PANORAMIC VIEWS OF THE NAM VAN LAKE AND MACAU TOWER AND A STONE'S THROW FROM SOME OF THE MOST GLAMOROUS HOTELS AND CASINOS, THE MAISON ONE CENTRAL HAS BEEN CONCEIVED TO REFLECT THE HOUSE'S HERITAGE OF SAVOIR FAIRE, CREATIVE SPIRIT, FORWARD ARCHITECTURE INFUSED WITH LOCAL CULTURE IS SET TO BECOME THE NEXT FASHION LANDMARK.




STUNNING HOLIDAY OPTICAL ILLUSION CREATED WITH 50 FOOT CHRISTMAS TREE



GREIG HOWE ATTACHED A TRAILER TO HIS TINY G-WIZ ELECTRIC CAR TO TOW HIS 50ft CHRISTMAS TREE HOME. DONATED BY THE FORESTRY COMMISSION, THE £400 TREE WAS TAKEN 15 MILES FROM THE NEW FOREST TO SKATE PARK DESIGNERS HOWE'S SIX-BEDROOM HOME IN BOURNEMOUTH, DORSET. THERE, IT WAS CUT INTO THREE CAREFULLY MEASURED SECTIONS TO CREATE A STUNNING UNIQUE CHRISTMAS ILLUSION THAT HAS MOST PASSERBY IN THE STREET DOING DOUBLE TAKES. WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM HOWE'S FRIENDS, THE LOWER PARTS OF THE TREE WERE PASSED THROUGH DOORS AND WINDOWS. FINALLY A BORROWED CRANE WAS USED TO PLACE THE TOP TIER ON TO A LITTLE ROOF TURRET. WITH CAREFUL ALIGNMENT, THE HOWE CHRISTMAS TREE APPEARS TO BE BURSTING THROUGH THE ROOF. IT IS THE SECOND YEAR RUNNING HOWE HAS STAGED THE TRICK. LAST YEAR HE CUT THE TREE UP IMMEDIATELY AFTER IT WAS CHOPPED DOWN. THIS YEAR HE DECIDED TO TOW IT HOME IN ONE PIECE SO HE COULD DRIVE IT PAST THE HOME OF HIS HOUSEBOUND GRANDMOTHER, EVEN PUTTING A FEW LIGHTS AND DECORATIONS ON IT AS A TREAT FOR HER. THE WHOLE OPERATION, INCLUDING DECORATING THE BRANCHES WITH 200 BAUBLES AND 2,000 LED LIGHTS, TOOK FIVE DAYS TO COMPLETE. 'I'VE BEEN WORKING ON THIS FOR WEEKS', HE SAID. 'BUT IT HAS ALL BEEN WORTH IT NOW IT IS UP. IT LOOKS FANTASTIC.'

TATE BRITAIN DISPLAYS GERMAN INSPIRED CHRISTMAS TREE FOR HOLIDAY 2009


THE FOUR METER HIGH FIR TREE, DECORATED WITH BEESWAX CANDLES, WILL BE ON DISPLAY IN THE GALLERY'S ROTUNDA UNTIL 23.DECEMBER. DEAN, AN ARTIST ORIGINALLY FROM CANTERBURY, KENT, BUT NOW LIVING IN BERLIN, WAS ASKED TO DESIGN THIS YEARS TATE BRITAIN HOLIDAY TREE. 'I WAS STRUCK WHEN I ARRIVED IN BERLIN BY THE SIMPLICITY OF CHRISTMAS THERE', SHE SAID. 'I FELT THE GERMANS HAD MANAGED TO HOLD ON TO SOMETHING OF ITS PURITY AND MAGIC DESPITE COMMERCIAL PRESSURES. THEY HAVE A GREAT TRADITION OF CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS AND ARE STILL UNAFRAID TO HAVE REAL CANDLES ON THEIR TREES.' THE CANDLES ON THE TREE, WHICH WERE HANDMADE IN GERMANY, WILL BE LIT AT 4pm EVERY DAY AND ARE DESIGNED TO BURN OUT AT 6pm AS THE GALLERY CLOSES. DEAN HAS ALSO DESIGNED THE GALLERY'S CHRISTMAS CARD THIS YEAR WHICH FEATURES A 19th CENTURY PHOTOGRAPH OF A TREE TAKEN IN PALESTINE. SHE SAID: 'THE PICTURE WAS FROM THE 1870s AND THE LACK OF CONFLICT BETWEEN THE PEOPLE SITTING UNDER THE TREE IMPRESSED ME. IT WAS A PERFECT IMAGE FOR A CHRISTMAS CARDS WELL BECAUSE OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PALESTINE AND CHRISTMAS. DEAN, WHO STUDIED AT FALMOUTH SCHOOL OF ART AND THE SLADE SCHOOL OF FINE ARTS, WAS NOMINATED FOR THE TURNER PRIZE IN 1998. THE TATE HAS INVITED AN ARTIST TO DESIGN AND DECORATE A TREE EVERY CHRISTMAS FOR MORE THAN 20 YEARS

13.12.09

RALPH LAUREN BRABHAM VICE BOX


RALPH LAUREN'S TIMELESSLY LUXURIOUS OFFERINGS FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON ARE ROOTED IN THE SPIRIT OF 1930s SUN VALLEY, THE FAMOUS SKI RESORT FREQUENTED BY SOCIALITES AND CELEBRITIES. THE RALPH LAUREN HOLIDAY COLLECTION EMBODIES WINTRY SOPHISTICATION WITH LUXE CASHMERES, RICH TARTANS PLAIDS, AND REGAL VELVETS, CREATING STUNNING GIFTS WITH A NOD TO CLASSIC AMERICAN HERITAGE AND MODERN SENSIBILITY. ONE OF THE HIGHLIGHTS OF THE NEW COLLECTION IS THE BRABHAM VICE BOX. CRAFTED IN ONYX COLOURED LEATHER, STEEL AND LACQUERED WOOD, THE BRABHAM IS A STREAMLINED BOX REVEALING ENTERTAINMENT ESSENTIALS: HANDSOME CRYSTAL BAR-WARE, SLEEK COASTERS AND A DEBONAIR POKER SET. AS A LIMITED EDITION OF 50 AND PRICED AT $4,995, EACH BOX BEARS A NUMBERED PLATE. OTHER HOME ITEMS EVOKE THE INVITING WORLD OF THE ADIRONDACKS OR A SLEEK URBAN ENVIRONMENT, WITH A SOPHISTICATED JEWEL-TONED PALETTE EXECUTED IN SUMPTUOUS MATERIALS.

TEL AVIV MUSEUM OF ART TO PRESENT RARE CARAVAGGIO PAINTING FOR TWO WEEKS


THE GOVERNMENT OF ITALY HAS AGREED TO THE LOAN OF CARAVAGGIO'S 'REST ON THE FLIGHT INTO EGYPT, FROM THE DORIA PAMPHILJ GALLERY IN ROME TO THE TEL AVIV MUSEUM OF ART FOR TWO WEEKS. THIS WORK IS THE LARGEST, MOST CHALLENGING COMPOSITION CARAVAGGIO PAINTED AT THE TIME. THE LANDSCAPE IS FAIRLY RARE FOR THE PAINTER, WHO PREFERRED PLACING HIS FIGURES IN TAVERNS OR DARK DUNGEONS; IT MAKES THE PAINTING SEEM LIKE A 'CALM, PASTORAL MUSICAL PICNIC'. ACCORDING TO THE NEW TESTAMENT, THE HOLY FAMILY FLED INTO EGYPT HAVING BEEN WARNED THAT KING HEROD'S SOLDIERS WERE ABOUT TO KILL ALL NEWBORN BABIES IN BETHLEHEM, ON THE ASSUMPTION THAT THE PROPHESIZED KING OF THE JEWS WAS AMONG THEM. ACCORDING TO A LATER TRADITION, THE FAMILY STOPPED BY A GROVE, WHERE JESUS ORDERED THE TREES TO BEND SO THAT JOSEPH COULD GATHER THEIR FRUIT. MARY IS SEEN SLEEPING, THE BABY JESUS IN HER ARMS. JOSEPH ON THE LEFT SERVES AS A HUMAN MUSIC STAND FOR AN ANGEL PLAYING A VIOLIN WITH HIS BACK TO US. MICHELANGELO MERISI DA CARAVAGGIO (1571-1610), BETTER KNOWN AS CARAVAGGIO, IS ONE OF THE GREATEST PAINTERS OF ALL TIMES, AND MAY BE TERMED 'THE FOUNDER OF BAROQUE' DUE TO HIS INNOVATIVE STYLE, COMBINING EXTREME CHIAROSCURO, FIGURES FLICKERING IN THE DARK, STARK REALISM AND DRAMATIC DIAGONAL COMPOSITIONS. SURPRISINGLY, THIS WAS ALL ACHIEVED BY A MAN WHO DIED RELATIVELY YOUNG, AGED 30, CONSIDERED A CRIMINAL MOST OF HIS LIFE, OFTEN ATTACKING PEOPLE WITH HIS SWORD AND DAGGER, AND WHO ENDED HIS LIFE AS A FUGITIVE CRIMINAL, WANDERING BETWEEN NAPLES, SICILY AND MALTA, HAVING KILLED A MAN IN ROME FOLLOWING A DISPUTE OVER A TENNIS GAME.

DNA TESTS COULD SOLVE MYSTERY OF CARAVAGGIO'S DEATH


THE MYSTERY SURROUNDING THE DEATH OF BAROQUE MASTER CARAVAGGIO MAY SOON BE RESOLVED THANKS TO NEW DNA TESTS, AS LONGS AS THE RIGHT BODY CAN BE FOUND. WHAT CAUSED THE DEATH OF THE PAINTER IN 1610 AND THE WHEREABOUTS OF HIS CORPSE HAVE ALWAYS BEEN UNCLEAR. BUT A TEAM OF ITALIAN ANTHROPOLOGISTS BELIEVE THAT WHAT IS LEFT OF CARAVAGGIO'S BODY MAY BE HIDDEN AMONG DOZENS OF BODIES BURIED IN A CRYPT IN TUSCANY, THANKS TO RECENT HISTORICAL CLUES. THE TEAM, ARMED WITH A CAT SCAN AND KITS FOR DATING CARBON, PLAN TO STUDY THE PAINTER'S EXHUMED REMAINS TO DISCOVER HOW HE DIED. 'IF WE ARE LUCKY ENOUGH TO FIND CARAVAGGIO'S SKULL, WE WILL ALSO BE ABLE TO SO A RECONSTRUCTION OF HIS FACE, JUST AS WE DID IN 2007 FOR DANTE ALIGHIERI', SILVANO VINCENTI, HEAD OF THE NATIONAL COMMITTEE FOR CULTURAL HERITAGE, TOLD REUTERS. THE ONLY IMAGES OF THE ARTIST AVAILABLE UNTIL NOW HAVE BEEN VARIOUS SELF-PORTRAITS. SCHOLARS HAVE PUT FORWARD MANY THEORIES ABOUT CARAVAGGIO'S DEATH. THE MOST POPULAR ARE THAT THE PAINTER WAS ASSASSINATED FOR RELIGIOUS REASONS OR COLLAPSED WITH MALARIA ON A DESERTED TUSCAN BEACH.
HOWEVER, IN 2001 AN ITALIAN RESEARCHER CLAIMED TO HAVE FOUND THE PAINTER'S DEATH CERTIFICATE, WHICH ALLEGEDLY PROVED THAT HE DIED IN HOSPITAL. 'THIS HISTORICAL DOCUMENT SHOWS CARAVAGGIO DID NOT DIE ALONE ON THE BEACH BUT AFTER THREE DAYS IN HOSPITAL, WHICH MEANS THE BODY MUST HAVE BEEN BURIED IN THE SAN SEBASTIANO CEMETERY', SAID VINCETI, REFERRING TO A TUSCAN TOWN NEAR THE CITY OF ROSSETO. BUT IN 1956, BODIES BURIED AT THE TINY SAN SEBASTIANO GRAVEYARD WERE MOVED TO A NEARBY TOWN, PORTO ERCOLE, AND SCHOLARS HOPE THAT THE REMAINS OF CARAVAGGIO WILL BE AMONG THEM. THE TEAM, FROM THE DEPARTMENTS OF ANTHROPOLOGY AND CULTURAL HERITAGE CONSERVATION AT THE UNIVERSITIES OF RAVENNA AND BOLOGNA, WILL HAVE TO EXHUME THE BONES OF BETWEEN 30 AND 40 PEOPLE, SELECTING THOSE THAT BELONG TO YOUNG MEN WHO DIED AT THE BEGINNING OF THE 17th CENTURY.