Here’s some of the most interesting art news from the past month:
Do we now know what da Vinci looked like before his death? Experts claim to have found a new portrait of the Old Master, made in 1519, and most probably drawn by one of his assistants. It isn’t much but it’s lovely nonetheless. Take a look at it here.
How the demand for artists of colour might be burning them out:
It goes without saying that artists of colour have to work twice as hard to get to the same place as their Caucasian colleagues. This article takes a look at how constantly defending their work in the face of discrimination and unfair criticism is taking a toll on these artists of colour, even as they grow more popular. Read it here.
The “invention” of the Salvator Mundi.
Salvator Mundi, believed to be da Vinci’s last painting sold for a record-breaking $450 million. But did you know it was originally bought for just $1000? This riveting article gives you a detailed look at the infamous painting’s journey from the art collection of Sir Francis Cook to Saudi royalty. It also gives you an idea of the amount of work that goes into restoring paintings. Read it here.
Why the Louvre won’t be displaying the Salvator Mundi: Given the skepticism surrounding the painting’s true creator, the Louvre might be erring on the side of caution by leaving the controversial painting out of it’s upcoming da Vinci show. Read about why this might might happen here.
How did a painting looted by the Nazis lead to a fight for LGBTQ rights in Poland?
When a gay couple from America learnt that the painting hanging in their kitchen had been stolen from Poland during World War II, they not only returned the painting, but used it as an opportunity to shed a spotlight on gay rights in Poland (which still discriminates against homosexuals). Read the inspiring story here.
There’s a £3.6 million painting hanging in the Sacred Heart High School in Newcastle, in case you’re interested.
A self-portrait by the painter Artemisia Gentileschi, widely considered to be one of the greatest female artists and a true feminist icon, has been displayed at a school in the UK. The aim is not only to shed light on the artist but to show that art can be for anyone. Read about it here.
Is there any interesting art news that you came across that we haven’t mentioned here? Let us know in the comments!
The Ink Inquisition 