The Du Paquier ceramic manufactory, founded by Claudius Innocentius du Paquier in Vienna in 1718, was only the second factory in Europe able to make true porcelain in the manner of the Chinese. This small porcelain enterprise developed a highly distinctive style that remained Baroque in inspiration throughout the history of the factory, which was taken over by the State in 1744. Imperial Privilege: Vienna Porcelain of Du Paquier, 1718–44, at The Metropolitan Museum of Art through March ... Read The Full Story

This hoard is perhaps the most important collection of Anglo-Saxon objects found in England. It compares and perhaps exceeds those objects found at Sutton Hoo. Originally discovered by metal detectorist Terry Herbert in July 2009 and subsequently excavated by Birmingham University Archaeology Unit and Staffordshire County Council. Leslie Webster, former Keeper of Prehistory and Europe at the British Museum describes this discovery as: “…this is going to alter our perceptions ... Read The Full Story

Visitors to this year’s Historic Alexandria Antiques Show can treat themselves to an evening of looking and learning without paying the admission fee. Celebrating its 61st consecutive year, the Historic Alexandria Antiques Show returns November 13-15 to the Holiday Inn Historic District. Show admission, at all other times $15 per person, will be free to visitors after 5 pm on Friday, November 13 only. “Everybody deserves a break now and then and everybody loves the word ... Read The Full Story

Historic Temple Newsam House, part of Leeds Museums and Galleries, has recently acquired part of a major gift presented through the American Friends of The Art Fund by the widow of Sir Arthur Gilbert, founder of the Gilbert Collection, an outstanding collection of decorative arts currently housed in London’s V&A. Marjorie, Lady Gilbert gave two items of silverware to the museum: a silver-gilt cup by Foglino (c. 1842) and a Ming ewer with silver mounts decorated in niello (c. ... Read The Full Story

Cartier and America covers the history of the House of Cartier from its first great successes as the “king of jewelers and jeweler to kings” during the Belle Epoque through to the 1960s and 1970s, when Cartier supplied celebrities of the day with their jewels and luxury accessories. Derived mainly from the private Cartier Collection housed in Geneva, the spectacular array of more than 200 objects includes jewelry of the Gilded Age and Art Deco periods, as well as freestanding works ... Read The Full Story