The Local France

Could France sell off its art to pay the debts?

Mon, 05 Jan 2015 13:19:00 +0100

Art aficionados might be appalled at the idea of France flogging artworks from its museums’ collections, but a recent parliamentary report could open the door for unprecedented auctions.

France to hand back artworks stolen by Nazis

Mon, 10 Mar 2014 16:30:52 +0100

France will on Tuesday return three paintings seized by the Nazis to their rightful owners, just the tip of an iceberg in a country where nearly 2,000 such artworks remain unclaimed.

French artworks stolen by Nazis up for auction

Tue, 28 Jan 2014 09:51:00 +0100

Four Old Masters stolen by the Nazis, including Hitler's deputy Hermann Goering, go under the hammer in New York this week where they are expected to fetch up to $1 million, Sotheby's announced on Monday.

Guatemala asks France to ban treasure auction

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 09:49:00 +0100

Guatemala has made claims to 13 archaeological treasures set to go under the hammer at a Sotheby's auction house sale in Paris next week. Authorities in the Central American republic have asked French counterparts to halt the auction.

Gainsbourg auction sets new record

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 10:00:09 +0100

An auction of handwritten song lyrics and other artefacts from French singer Serge Gainsbourg raised €266,000 ($360,000) in Paris on Wednesday, well above initial estimates.