Technology in the Art and Auction World Summer 2013

We have discussed extensively the many changes taking place in the art and auction world as a consequence of changing technology. When most of the pundits are lamenting a soft middle and lower market, Christies online push is worth noting.

1. NEW YORK, NY.- Christie’s announced Summer Jewels, their first ever online-only sale of jewelry including over 100 lots from contemporary jewelers with price points accessible to a wide range of collectors. This glittering array of ear pendants, necklaces, bracelets, cufflinks and more is highlighted by up and coming designers Lily Gabriella Elia and Olivia Wildenstein with vibrant pieces from the eponymous label of Marina Bulgari, Marina B. The sale will open for bidding Wednesday, July 17th and run through Friday, July 26th and is accessible via www.christies.com/summerjewels.

François Curiel, Chairman of Christie’s Jewelry Department, commented: “This inaugural online-only sale of Summer Jewels is an exciting new venture for us at Christie’s. After a historic spring season of auction sales, we are pleased to offer collectors a new way to collect jewelry with Christie’s and to introduce a specially-curated array of designs by some of the young shining stars working within the jewelry world today.”

Brazilian born designer Lily Gabriella Elia offers her namesake collection, Lily Gabriella, which features gold of all colors often combined with precious and semi-precious gemstones. Elia draws influences from fine art to modern architecture producing contemporary designs using traditional methods. Highlights consist of a diamond pendant necklace (estimate: $4,000 – 5,000), an 18K white gold and diamond ring inspired by Elia’s South American heritage (estimate: $2,800 – 3,800) and an amethyst, diamond and gold necklace (estimate: $3,500 – 4,500).

Keemee designer Olivia Wildenstein developed her eye for accessories after an internship with Oscar de la Renta thus leading to her creation of gem-set jewelry. Wildenstein's creations are comprised of rounded and organic jewels worked in 18K gold, diamonds and cultured pearls. Top selects comprise of a citrine and diamond ‘Bonbon’ ring (estimate: $1,000 – 1,500), a garnet and diamond ‘Bonbon’ ring (estimate: $1,000 – 1,500), and a pair of cultured pearl and diamond “Coeurs Enlacés” ear pendants (estimate: $6,000 – 8,000).

2. Just google any of these apps for more info to insytall on your smart phone or ipad.
1.Leonardo da Vinci's the Mona Lisa at the Louvre Museum, ParisPhoto © Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images
The Louvre app is a visual delight and features over 100 of the Museum's beloved masterpieces such as the famous Mona Lisa.
With each artwork, several close-up photographic details and a brief text are included. An interior map also shows where the artwork is installed, thus making your museum visit a breeze.
The photographs of the artwork and its details are visually stunning. If you only can choose one museum app, then the Louvre app is a must-have.
2. The British Museum, London
The British Museum app includes photos and descriptions of important works in its collection. Audio clips describe the Museum's 10 key works such as the Rosetta Stone, the Parthenon Sculptures, the Mexican Mosaics and the Benin Bronzes.
In addition, maps highlight places to visit in the area of the Museum, making this app a useful tool for visiting London.
Besides being useful for tourists, the app is educational as it contains details such as being able to read the hieroglyphics of the Rosetta Stone.
3. The Hermitage, St. Petersburg
the State Heritage MuseumPhoto by Sean Gallup/Getty Images
The State Hermitage Museum app will give you a virtual sense of being inside the museum and looking at the art in the individual galleries.
The app provides virtual and thematic tours, and educational courses. Highlights include in-depth info (both visual and text) about the artwork of da Vinci and Rembrandt.
4. Uffizi Gallery, Florence
The Uffizi Gallery app will take you on a virtual tour of its famous galleries.
The app also highlights the collection's important works such as Giotto’s Madonna Enthroned, Botticelli’s Birth of Venus, Leonardo’s Annunciation, Raphael’s Madonna of the Goldfinch and Caravaggio's Medusa.
5. National Gallery, London
The National Gallery in London's app includes brief data on approximately 250 works, while going into high-res details on selected artworks. Also video, audio, and searching by theme are included.
6. Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam
The Rijksmuseum app provides detailed texts and high-resolution imagery of its classic art such as works by Vermeer and Rembrandt. Besides the Dutch Masters, the Museum's collection includes a wide variety of traditional, and spiritual Asian art.
7. Museum of Modern Art, NYC
(c) Getty Images
The Museum of Modern Art app gets rave reviews from users. The app contains multimedia tours, audio and video podcasts, plus detailed information about the Museum's artworks and exhibitions.
8. National Palace Museum, Taipei
The National Palace Museum app contains high-res imagery of its impressive collection of ancient and traditional Chinese art and culture. However, the app is in Chinese, so if you do not understand the language, you can at least enjoy the photographs.

What we all our waiting for is a Yelp type of app that will constantly download calendar information on the types of art events and exhibitions that we are interested in attending. We all hate filing all the mailers and calendars and then trying remember where and it is happening. The data is out there with Twitter and Facebook, so its just a matter of time before we get this.. JB