Rediscovered Picasso portrait of muse Dora Marr sells for €32 million

The AKAA 2025 arts fair in Paris is celebrating its 10th edition by showcasing the incredible work of African artists, including Zimbabwean sculptor Victor Nyakauru and South African photographer Gavin Goodman. Nyakauru's passion for transforming found objects into art highlights important themes of environmental sustainability, while Goodman’s 'Vela series' beautifully merges African heritage with contemporary visual storytelling. This event not only honors the rich cultural contributions of African artists but also sparks vital conversations about sustainability and heritage in the art world.

A remarkable story unfolded when a lost painting by Salvador Dalí, initially purchased for just £150, was sold at auction for an astonishing £47,700. Discovered by a Cambridge antiques dealer during a house clearance, this watercolor and felt-tip illustration, depicting an 'old sultan,' showcases the unexpected treasures that can emerge from everyday situations. This sale not only highlights the enduring value of Dalí's work but also excites art collectors and enthusiasts alike, reminding us of the hidden gems that may be lurking in plain sight.

A stunning 1943 portrait by Picasso, featuring his muse Dora Maar, is making waves as it heads to auction in Paris after being hidden from the public for over 80 years. This vibrant piece, titled 'Bust of a Woman with a Flowered Hat,' not only showcases Picasso's artistic brilliance but also tells a story of love and creativity during a pivotal time in their relationship. Its return to the spotlight is significant for art enthusiasts and collectors alike, marking a rare opportunity to own a piece of history.

A recent video has surfaced showing the alleged thieves escaping from the Louvre after stealing €88 million worth of France's crown jewels. The footage captures two individuals using a mechanical ladder in broad daylight, looking around nervously as they make their getaway. This incident highlights significant security lapses at one of the world's most famous museums, as the Louvre's director acknowledged that staff failed to detect the thieves due to limited camera coverage. The ongoing investigation raises concerns about the safety of cultural treasures and the effectiveness of museum security.

A powerful tornado struck Val-d’Oise in northern France, causing significant destruction and leaving over 100,000 homes without power. The town of Ermont was particularly hard hit, with toppled construction cranes and damaged buildings. Tragically, one person lost their life, and four others sustained critical injuries. This event highlights the increasing severity of weather patterns and the urgent need for communities to prepare for such natural disasters.

Scientists in Paris have made exciting discoveries about snake bites by studying the speed at which different snakes strike their prey. This research not only sheds light on the fascinating mechanics of these strikes but also has important implications for understanding snake behavior and improving medical responses to snake bites. By revealing the secrets behind these rapid attacks, the study enhances our knowledge of wildlife and could lead to better safety measures for those living in snake-prone areas.

Böcker, a family-run German company, has cleverly turned a recent Paris robbery at the Louvre into a marketing opportunity. After their furniture lift was used in the heist, they launched a tongue-in-cheek ad campaign with the tagline 'When you need to move fast.' This not only highlights their product but also capitalizes on the publicity surrounding the event, showcasing their ability to adapt and innovate in challenging situations.

Naomi Beckwith, the Deputy Director and Chief Curator of the Guggenheim in New York, is currently in Paris for her new exhibition at the Palais de Tokyo, titled 'Echo Delay Reverb – American Art – Francophone Thought.' In an interview with France 24, she described the exhibition as a love letter to France, highlighting how the innovative ideas from 1960s France influenced American art. This exhibition is significant as it bridges cultural dialogues and showcases the interconnectedness of art and thought across borders.

Canada is taking a proactive step towards strengthening its ties with Asia by updating its Indo-Pacific strategy, as announced by Minister Anand. This move is significant as it reflects Canada's commitment to engaging more deeply with the region, which is increasingly vital for economic and geopolitical reasons. By revising the strategy initially released three years ago, Canada aims to better position itself in a rapidly changing global landscape.

The recent mistaken release of Ethiopian national Hadush Kebatu, who was jailed for sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl, has ignited nationwide protests and a manhunt. This incident raises serious concerns about the asylum process and public safety, highlighting the urgent need for reforms to prevent such errors in the future.

The U.S. Treasury Department has imposed sanctions on Colombian President Gustavo Petro and his family, citing allegations that his administration has been complicit in aiding drug traffickers. This development is significant as it not only affects Petro's political standing but also raises concerns about Colombia's ongoing battle with drug-related crime and its implications for U.S.-Colombia relations.

The Trump administration's recent deployment of an aircraft carrier signals a toughening stance towards Venezuela, raising concerns about potential military action. This development is significant as it reflects escalating tensions in the region and could have serious implications for U.S.-Venezuela relations and regional stability.

Tonight's Premier League match between Leeds and West Ham at Elland Road is generating excitement among fans. Leeds' coach Daniel Farke has praised goalkeeper Karl Darlow for his reliability, highlighting the team's strategic decisions as they aim for a strong performance. This match is crucial for both teams as they navigate the competitive landscape of the league, making it a significant event for supporters and players alike.

The recent US sanctions against Colombia's President Gustavo Petro mark a significant escalation in the ongoing feud between him and former President Trump. This clash centers around critical issues such as migration, drug policy, and US military actions in international waters. The sanctions could have serious implications for Colombia's political landscape and its relationship with the United States, highlighting the tensions that arise when national policies collide.