In the 1950s, a group of young African American artists in Florida began painting the state’s lush landscapes; royal poinciana trees in bloom, dramatic coastal skies, glassy wetlands, and golden sunsets. Collectively known as The Highwaymen, these painters created a body of work that is now celebrated as one of the most significant movements in American regional art. At the time, opportunities for Black artists were limited. Shut out of galleries and mainstream art markets, the Highwaymen forged their own path. They painted quickly, often completing works in a single sitting and sold them along Florida’s highways, outside businesses, and door-to-door. Their bold colors and expressive brushwork captured the state’s natural beauty in a way that appealed to tourists, locals, and businesses alike. Though initially dismissed as “roadside art,” t...Read More

In the final years of the 18th century, the United States Mint was still in its infancy. Every coin struck in Philadelphia carried with it more than just monetary value; it was a symbol of a fledgling nation testing its identity, artistry, and place on the world stage. Among these early coins, few are as captivating as the Draped Bust dollar. Introduced in 1795, the Draped Bust design replaced the earlier Flowing Hair motif. Legend has it that Philadelphia socialite Ann Willing Bingham posed as the model for Liberty’s portrait, lending the coin an air of elegance and refinement. Chief Engraver Robert Scot etched her image with flowing curls, a soft drapery at the neckline, and a gaze that seemed both hopeful and resolute. Image: Anne Willing Bingham (1797), Philadelphia Museum of Art The reverse carried the nation’s emblematic eagle, at fir...Read More

Halloween may still be weeks away, but collectors of vintage holiday memorabilia will have plenty to get excited about this month. On August 27, 2025, Jeffrey S. Evans & Associates presents Summer Americana: Day 1, a sale brimming with folk art, advertising, toys, and nostalgic treasures. Among the highlights are a handful of rare and highly collectible Halloween-themed lots, perfect for enthusiasts who cherish the eerie charm of early 20th-century holiday décor. Here are five standout pieces crossing the block: German Papier-Mâché Jack-o’-Lantern A classic expression of Halloween tradition, this German papier-mâché lantern embodies the handmade craftsmanship that makes early jack-o’-lanterns so desirable. Collectors value these for their delicate construction and ability to evoke the mischievous spirit of vintage Halloween nights. Lot #30 ...Read More

Few designers capture the enduring appeal of mid-century modernism like Willy Guhl (1915–2004). Long before concrete furniture became a design-world staple, the Swiss innovator was experimenting with industrial materials and sculptural forms that blurred the line between functional object and work of art. Born in Stein am Rhein, Guhl trained as a carpenter before studying at the Zurich School of Applied Arts, where he later taught for nearly 40 years. A leader of the Swiss neo-functional movement, Guhl believed in “achieving the most with the minimum of effort.” His work embodies that philosophy: bold yet restrained, practical yet poetic. Industrial Materials, Organic Forms Guhl’s designs often relied on Eternit, a then-revolutionary mixture of cement and asbestos developed by the Belgian company Etex. Commissioned in the 1950s to design pl...Read More

Of all the objects tied to Nantucket’s story, none is more instantly recognizable, or more deeply tied to the island’s identity, than the handwoven Nantucket basket. With their sturdy wooden bases, smooth cane weaving, and graceful swing handles, these baskets carry with them more than function. They embody the island: its maritime history, seafaring skills, and craft traditions. On August 23, 2025, Rafael Osona’s Late Summer Auction will present an exceptional group of Nantucket baskets, each telling a tale of the makers who wove them and the tradition that shaped them. From Lightships to Fashion Items The story begins not in a workshop, but on the water. In the mid-1800s, sailors stationed on lightships, floating lighthouses anchored off Nantucket’s treacherous shoals, wove baskets during their long watches. By using solid wooden bases th...Read More

Superman returns this summer with the release of "The Man of Steel" on July 11, 2025, directed by James Gunn. This highly anticipated reboot introduces David Corenswet as Clark Kent/Superman, Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor. Instead of rehashing the origin story, the film presents a world where Superman is already established, balancing cosmic challenges with emotional connections to his Kryptonian heritage and Kansas roots. Fans are thrilled about the inclusion of Krypto the superdog, a lineup of supporting heroes, and the return of Superman's classic red trunks. Critics have lauded the film for its emotional depth and bright tone, calling it one of the best DC outings in years. From the Big Screen to the Auction Block If you’re feeling inspired by the new film or just want to own a piece of Superman history...Read More

On August 14, 2025, at 11:00 AM CT, Dane Fine Art will present its Sunshine Sale of Modern & Contemporary Art live on Bidsquare;  a vibrant collection of modern and contemporary prints featuring a wide range of subjects, styles, and artistic movements.. From bold Pop Art imagery to abstraction, the auction celebrates creative voices from the 20th and 21st centuries. While the sale offers far more than any single theme, three standout lots provide an intriguing lens on how modern artists have transformed familiar, everyday objects into works that challenge our perceptions. By recontextualizing the ordinary, these artists invite us to consider how art exists in the objects of daily life. Jasper Johns Jasper Johns is renowned for his talent in transforming the ordinary into something extraordinary. In Coat Hanger and Spoon, he isolates two com...Read More

The chaise longue, “long chair” in French, has a story that spans not only continents but also centuries. A hybrid of a chair and a daybed, the lounge chair has been a constant symbol of leisure, style, and ingenuity. In ancient Egypt, chaises were made of woven palm fronds, cord, and rawhide, later evolving into wood or stone versions with carved headrests. They were both status symbols and functional furniture, offering respite from the desert heat. Cleopatra herself is said to have reclined on one. The Greeks took the form and created the “kline,” used during banquets in a semi-reclined position. In China, chaises found their place in gardens, blending relaxation with a deep cultural connection to nature. In the Victorian era, the chaise evolved into the “fainting couch,” a refined resting place for tightly corseted women, often with a s...Read More

Barridoff Auctions’ Summer 2025 International Fine Art Sale invites bidders to dive into a curated selection of fine art that reflects both the vibrancy of the season and the expressive power of the human figure. Among the standout lots in this year’s auction are four compelling works depicting bathers; each offering a unique interpretation of leisure, movement, and identity in the context of water. Carl Sprinchorn’s Sensuous Studies Two intimate works by Carl Sprinchorn (American, 1887–1971) capture the artist’s fascination with the figure in repose and motion. Known for his robust brushwork and dedication to modernist forms, Sprinchorn’s “Bather” and “Diver at Pool” are executed in pastel and watercolor, imbuing the subjects with both immediacy and elegance. “Bather,” a vertical composition measuring just over 11 inches tall, presents a p...Read More

When it comes to buying or selling fine art, antiques, or collectibles, one word carries tremendous weight: provenance. From fine art to decorative items to furniture, provenance, the documented history of ownership, can mean the difference between an overlooked item and a sought-after masterpiece. Why does it matter so much? How can collectors ensure they're making informed decisions? What Is Provenance? Provenance is the record of an object's history, documenting its journey from creation to the present day. Provenance describes who owned it, where it was exhibited, when it was sold, and how it moved through time. Think of it as the biography of a piece, offering insight into its journey and often, its value. A strong provenance will always include a paper trail: 1. Sales receipts or invoices 2. Exhibition records or museum catalogs 3. Me...Read More