Historical Events tagged with "collectors"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Arts & Culture

Rubens' 'Massacre of the Innocents' Auctioned

July 10th, 2002 22 years ago

Peter Paul Rubens' powerful painting, 'The Massacre of the Innocents,' was sold at a Sotheby's auction for an astounding £49.5 million (US$76.2 million) to Lord Thomson. This remarkable sale highlighted the ongoing interest in masterworks by the old masters and reflected the growing market for high-value art pieces. The painting depicts a tragic biblical scene and has long been celebrated for its dramatic expression and intricate detail. The auction attracted considerable attention from collectors and art enthusiasts alike, showcasing the continuing value of Renaissance artworks in the modern era.

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Arts & Culture

Van Gogh's Le Pont de Trinquetaille Auctioned

June 29th, 1987 37 years ago

Vincent van Gogh's 1888 painting, Le Pont de Trinquetaille, was sold for a remarkable $20.4 million at a London auction, setting a record price for the artist's work at the time. The painting is a vibrant depiction of a bridge in Arles, France, showcasing van Gogh's unique use of color and light. This sale drew significant attention from art collectors and the public alike, reflecting the increasing value of Impressionist artworks in the late 20th century. The buyer's identity was kept secret, which further fueled speculation and interest in the auction.

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Economics & Industry

Final Sale of Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost

December 19th, 1924 100 years ago

The last Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost was sold in London, marking the end of an iconic model that epitomized luxury and craftsmanship. Known for its elegance and engineering quality, the Silver Ghost was a favored choice among the wealthy elite. The sale took place at the Rolls-Royce showroom in London, where this prestigious car attracted attention from automobile enthusiasts and collectors alike. With its production having begun in 1906, the Silver Ghost set standards in the automotive industry, and the final sale symbolized the close of a significant chapter in luxury automobiles.

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Arts & Culture

Metropolitan Museum of Art Established in NYC

April 13th, 1870 155 years ago

The New York City Metropolitan Museum of Art was founded by a group of American citizens including businessmen and artists, seeking to promote art and culture in the United States. Located in New York City, the museum was established with the goal of making art accessible to the public. The founders aimed to house important artworks from around the world, emphasizing educational initiatives to foster appreciation for art. This ambitious project laid the foundation for one of the largest and most comprehensive art museums in the world.

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