An arts blog of arts people.
Two Rare George Washington Portraits Head to Auction as U.S. Marks 250 Years
20 January 2026 @ 10:46 am
The nearly identical Charles Peale Polk paintings will be offered at Christie’s and Sotheby’s on back-to-back days this month.
The post Two Rare George Washington Portraits Head to Auction as U.S. Marks 250 Years appeared first on Artnet News.
Ming Wong Recasts Saint Sebastian as a Modern-Day Queer Icon
20 January 2026 @ 8:12 am
The artist reflects on the meaning of martyrdom today in his bold new project at the National Gallery.
The post Ming Wong Recasts Saint Sebastian as a Modern-Day Queer Icon appeared first on Artnet News.
3D Tech Reveals New Gladiator Graffiti in Pompeii
19 January 2026 @ 10:00 pm
Researchers also uncovered a declaration of love etched into the ancient stones.
The post 3D Tech Reveals New Gladiator Graffiti in Pompeii appeared first on Artnet News.
Prado Museum Moves to Curb Overcrowding
19 January 2026 @ 7:15 pm
“A museum’s success can collapse it," the museum's director warned after it broke its visitor record.
The post Prado Museum Moves to Curb Overcrowding appeared first on Artnet News.
South Africa’s Culture Minister Investigated After Venice Biennale Claims
19 January 2026 @ 6:54 pm
Ousted artist Gabrielle Goliath said claims of foreign interference are a "deflection" from censorship.
The post South Africa’s Culture Minister Investigated After Venice Biennale Claims appeared first on Artnet News.
Sotheby’s Brings Rare Rembrandt to Saudi Arabia in Vote of Market Confidence
19 January 2026 @ 6:34 pm
The 17th-century masterpiece will make a stop in Diriyah ahead of its blockbuster New York sale, where it's estimated to sell for $15 million.
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The Forgotten Designer Who Created America’s First National Parks Posters
19 January 2026 @ 2:00 pm
Dorothy Waugh defined the look of New Deal–era poster design and helped shape America’s visual identity.
The post The Forgotten Designer Who Created America’s First National Parks Posters appeared first on Artnet News.
A $53.5 million Surrealist Trove Heads to Christie’s–and More Art Industry News
19 January 2026 @ 10:58 am
Plus, Roland Augustine steps down from Luhring Augustine and the French government debates an amendment that could see art taxed more.
The post A $53.5 million Surrealist Trove Heads to Christie’s–and More Art Industry News appeared first on Artnet News.
More Magritte Heads to Auction
19 January 2026 @ 9:41 am
Plus, Qatar accused of trying to buy work from South Africa's Venice Biennale pavilion. And a new fair launches in Mallorca.
The post More Magritte Heads to Auction appeared first on Artnet News.
Meet the Unknown Modernist Who Brought Georgia O’Keeffe to New Mexico
19 January 2026 @ 8:30 am
In New Mexico, artist Rebecca Salsbury James found freedom.
The post Meet the Unknown Modernist Who Brought Georgia O’Keeffe to New Mexico appeared first on Artnet News.