By I.M. Chait – In the very early 18th Century (although some people might insist it was the late 17th Century), snuff, as a recreational habit, was introduced by Europeans to the Court of China. While we all may have our opinions relative to the evils of tobacco, no one can ignore the fact that European snuff boxes, made... [Read more]

~ On June 11, Cowan’s American History Auction was highlighted by a vignette portrait of Abraham Lincoln from a negative originally taken by Mathew Brady, Friday Jan. 8, 1864 (O-87). It was signed “A Lincoln” and had remnants of Brady’s imprint on verso It sold for $38,775. Lincoln said of this particular... [Read more]

On July 11, Sotheby’s will auction J.M.W. Turner’s great masterpiece “Modern Rome – Campo Vaccino,” in its Old Master & British Paintings Evening and Day Sales. The work is estimated at £12 million to £18 million. __________________________ On September 22, Bonhams will hold their first Picasso Editions... [Read more]