Mary Cassatt (1844–1926) occupies a singular place in the history of art as one of the most important American painters and printmakers associated with the Impressionist movement. Celebrated for her sensitive depictions of women and children, Cassatt brought a uniquely personal perspective to subjects often overlooked in 19th-century art, capturing domestic life with tenderness, dignity, and modern insight. Cassatt’s Artistic Journey Born in Allegheny City, Pennsylvania, Cassatt studied at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts before moving to Paris, where she would spend much of her life. In France, she became closely associated with the Impressionists, especially Edgar Degas, who encouraged her interest in printmaking. While her paintings are widely known, Cassatt’s prints include etchings, aquatints, and lithographs that reveal her e...Read More

Few names in the decorative arts inspire the same reverence as Lalique. Born from the vision of René-Jules Lalique, the house has long stood at the intersection of artistry and innovation. His journey from jeweler to glassmaker not only helped define the look of Art Nouveau and Art Deco, but also gave collectors objects that feel both timeless and alive. Today, Lalique remains one of the most sought-after names at auction. Each piece whether a vase, figurine, or bowl, carries with it a legacy of design brilliance. René Lalique began his career in the late 19th century as a jewelry designer whose creations captured the spirit of Art Nouveau. Unlike his contemporaries, he used enamel, glass, and horn alongside precious stones, elevating artistry above material value. His necklaces and brooches featuring dragonflies, orchids, and peacocks were...Read More

Art has the power to transform neighborhoods, spark dialogue, and inspire the next generation. Few organizations embody this belief more deeply than CITYarts, a nonprofit dedicated to bringing monumental public art projects, especially murals, to communities across New York City and beyond. Since its founding, CITYarts has empowered artists and youth to collaborate, creating works that celebrate diversity, resilience, and cultural identity. This summer, CITYarts continues its mission with the CITYarts Summer 2025 Benefit Art Auction, hosted on Bidsquare. Proceeds from the sale will directly support upcoming projects and educational programs for 2025–2026, ensuring that murals and public art initiatives continue to enrich neighborhoods and nurture creativity in the years ahead. Image: Shakespeare Steps, 1165 Shakespeare Ave, Bronx, NYC 2024;...Read More

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