The work is one of the “Death and Disaster” series which rarely come on the market

This sales report demonstrates the intense interest in Russian late 19th-century classical paintings, early 20th-century modernist paintings, and Fabergé works

Globalisation, competition, and massive price increases are forces behind a new market

The Arab and Iranian art market seemed to be stabilising, while western counterparts struggle

The Blue Rigi has been sold to an overseas collector, and after last year's loss of the Dark Rigi the pressure is on

Historical works were popular

Christie’s and the Stair Galleries both cancelled sales as a result

World War II restitution is now a multi-million dollar enterprise in which lawyers, auction houses and possibly even venture capitalists all have a stake

An unnamed East European collector bought several works at both Sotheby’s and Christie’s

Austria and Los Angeles had both hoped to keep the works

The Dark Rigi has become embroiled in murky legal waters

Clients will be able to follow live auctions at home

Sales in Dubai almost doubled expectations, and the majority of buyers were new (just don’t mention the Tel Aviv saleroom)

Oil-rich private collectors are dominating the salerooms and pushing aside dealers and investment funds

Dealers race to sell stock at auction as buying tastes change

Most auctioneers reported increased sales in 2005

New buyer beat established collectors at Sotheby’s impressionist and modern art sales in New York

Collectors shunned many 18th- and 19th-century works

Christie’s is owed $14 million and there are over 100 other creditors

Why Napoleon became a Muslim

Auction report; 3rd November 2005

While Chinese sustain the middle market for rare but flashy cinnabar, rhinoceros horn and cloisonné

Following recent purchase of Palazzo Grassi

One buyer pays against the odds for Sean Scully, while new records are set for Chilida, Hockney and Baselitz, among others

American buyers have returned and Asian collectors were also active

Iran argues that the artefact was acquired through criminal means, although their failure to speak out when the fragment went to auction previously may undermine their case

A week of new records will leave dealers wondering how to set their prices

The Art Newspaper requested full information

The finest piece of 18th-century Florentine craftsmanship will go on public show in his Vienna museum this year