Étienne Martin (1913-1995)

In 1885 French artist Henri Martin discovered Venice. From this point forward the city of the Doges became a recurring theme in the painter's career, capturing its glittering colors and the majesty of its palaces.

Now acclaimed as a first-class landscape painter with a free pointillist style, Martin is still even more admired for his Symbolist compositions.

Martin-Guillaume Biennais (1764-1843) promoted French imperial propaganda, notably through his "Napoléonides" series. Several previously unknown pieces will be revealed at the sale of a group of works hailing from the artist's descendants.

Napoleon I's goldsmith created this vermeil ewer and basin for Joachim Murat, based on a design by Charles Percier.

While Henri Martin’s poetic visions of the Garonne and the Lot’s landscapes outnumber his views of Venice reflected in its canals, they were another of the post-Impressionist painter’s favorite themes—and a pretext for daring experiments.

Rémi Gerbeau and Jean-Philippe Mercier staged a real exhibition for enthusiasts, in Paris, where nothing involved purely commercial considerations.

The Norwegian Economic Crimes Unit, in coordination with the Økokrim police, confiscated around 100 antiquities, which Iraqi authorities believe were illicitly removed from their country. This follows a 2019 request for assistance from Iraq regarding 762 artifacts allegedly exported from Jordan in 1988. (ARCA)

Heading this sale of modern art, a painting by the master from southern France competed with a landscape by Luce and a nude by André Derain (1880-1954).

Over 150 pieces coming from the descendants of one of Martin-Guillaume Biennais' daughters are up for sale, ranging from silverware to goldwork and sculptures.

The legendary Belgian designer retired from fashion in 2009 to focus on other forms of art. Now – 12 years later – he's got his first solo show. The exhibition is set to open on April 15 at Paris’ Lafayette Anticipations gallery and will feature an array of previously-unseen sculptures, photographs and installations.