A controversial work sold for an astronomical sum, a spectacular theft from a museum in the heart of Paris, a new auction record for a master of surrealism… this week, artistic news is warming minds and hearts gripped by the cold. Between two snowflakes, we take offense, we admire, we wonder: are contemporary artists making fun of us? Are museum works safe? Is a cable car a work of art? Discover 5 news stories of the week that will spark debate this weekend.
The Cognacq-Jay museum the victim of a violent armed robbery
On November 20, the Cognacq-Jay museum in Paris was the victim of a spectacular theft. Four armed individuals stole several precious objects, including two 18th century snuff boxes belonging to the Louvre Museum, presented in the “Pocket Luxury” exhibition which was to close its doors next November. The “Gilbert Snuff Box”, set with diamonds and on loan from the Victoria & Albert Museum in London, would also be part of the loot, as well as two other snuff boxes from the same collection.
View of the window targeted by the robbers in the “Pocket Luxury” exhibition at the Cognacq-Jay museum in Paris, 2024 © Paris Musées / Gautier Deblonde
According to several media, two other snuff boxes belonging to the English royal collections were also stolen. The damage could thus be estimated at 1 million euros. An investigation into armed robbery by an organized gang has been opened, with authorities hoping to find the pieces intact, although the stolen items are often melted down or sold at retail. The Cognacq-Jay museum will remain closed to the public until December 10. Read more
Record sale for The Empire of Lights by Magritte
On November 19, the table The Empire of Lights (1954) by René Magritte set an auction record, reaching $121.2 million at Christie's in New York. The painting, from the collection of Romanian-born interior designer Mica Ertegun, was estimated at $95 million. This sale surpasses the previous record of $79.8 million for a 1961 version of the same painting. The masterpiece thus sets a new auction record for a Magritte painting and a surrealist work of art. Read more
René Magritte, The Empire of Lights, 1954, oil on canvas, 146 x 114 cm © Christie's Images LTD. 2024
The “César” of architecture awarded to the rehabilitation of the upper station of the Salève cable car
The rehabilitation of the upper station of the Salève cable car in Monnetier-Mornex (Haute-Savoie) by Devaux & Devaux Architectes won the 2024 Silver Équerre. This prestigious prize, a true “César” of architecture, rewards constructions exemplary in France. The project, praised for its respect for the context and its ability to meet the needs of users, transformed the historic 1932 station into a modern place with a restaurant, terrace and esplanade for paragliders. Other prizes were awarded to projects in Bordeaux, Bagneux and Laguiole. Read more
The original building, built by Maurice Braillard, dates from 1932. © Manuel Bougot, dda architects
The Musée d'Orsay and Louis Vuitton renew their partnership
The Public Establishment of the Musée d'Orsay and the Musée de l'Orangerie-Valéry Giscard d'Estaing and Louis Vuitton renew their partnership for a period of 5 years, from 2026 to 2030. Louis Vuitton will financially support the redevelopment projects and modernization of the museum, in particular the restoration of the historic spaces of the Gare d'Orsay. This partnership aims to preserve the building, enrich the collections and improve the reception of visitors. Louis Vuitton will also support the museum in its activities and exhibitions.
Forecourt of the Musée d’Orsay in Paris © musée d’Orsay / Sophie Crépya
Cattelan banana sold for over $6 million at auction
The work The Comedian by Maurizio Cattelan, a banana taped to a wall, was sold for $6.2 million at Sotheby's in New York. The buyer, Justin Sun, founder of the cryptocurrency platform Tron, promised to eat the banana to make it a unique artistic experience. The work, which exists in three copies, questions the notion of art and its value. It had already caused a sensation in 2019 in Miami, where another copy was eaten to denounce its initial price of 120,000 dollars.
The World’s Most Expensive Banana: Maurizio Cattelan’s ‘Comedian’ Sells for $6.2 Million | Sotheby’s
