The Church of England may be one of the UK’s biggest landowners, but surprisingly little of its wealth is spent on the historic buildings in its care
Will this painting of the Jazz Age chanteuse Marjorie Ferry seduce buyers and set a new auction record for the artist?
A complete version of the first collected edition of Shakespeare’s plays is up for sale. What is it that makes this book so desirable?
The myth of the ancient city has fascinated artists through the ages – and invited archaeologists to dig deeper into the legend
At the Fondation Cartier and soon at the Hayward Gallery, art really does grow on trees
Their existence is no longer a secret, but the status of many of the works seized after the Second World War remains unclear
The painter’s forensic study of his subjects allowed him to portray them with a startling emotional depth
The Humboldt Forum in Berlin is scheduled to open – finally – in the autumn, while in Oslo the Munch Museum returns in a smart new home
This authoritative survey gives some of the most familiar works of English art a new lease of life
Despite the mutterings of most critics, the decision to award the prize to all four nominees makes a lot of sense – and is good for contemporary art
For all her flaws – and love of the limelight – Sontag’s commitment to seriousness feels more necessary than ever
An exhibition in Munich explores the less familiar aspects of the portraitist’s work, including the support he gave to his peers
The late photographer shot some of the most iconic figures of the 20th century, from Winston Churchill to David Bowie
The artist explains how his new lollipop-stick collages connect Pop art, Bauhaus, and ancient Athenian comedy
A small alpine village has set up shop outside the National Gallery – are there any parallels with what’s inside the building?
France, China, and other countries are leading the way on cultural diplomacy. When will the UK catch up?
What prompted Botticelli to become a follower of Savonarola? Jordan Tannahill’s arresting play casts historical accuracy aside in the quest for answers
Whether as models, studio managers, or artists in their own right, the women in the orbit of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood deserve greater recognition
A biography of one of the country’s earliest professional woman painters is a fitting if belated tribute
Tai Shani, Oscar Murillo, Helen Cammock and Lawrence Abu Hamdan can be found in playful, reflective or forensic mode in Margate
Things rarely turn out well for the characters in the satirist’s so-called ‘progress’ pieces – rather, they capture the chaos of 18th-century life
How the Barbizon painter’s subversive rural scenes inspired artists from Van Gogh to Salvador Dalí
The film adaptation of Donna Tartt’s novel is visually enticing but unwieldy
From sepia to rabbit skin glue – Hirst’s butterfly wings are far from the only animal products used to make art
