Greek Ministry Discovers Parthenon Fragment Off Kythira
The underwater antiquities unit of the Greek Ministry of Culture discovered a small fragment of the Parthenon during an excavation off the coast of Kythira, where Lord Elgin's ship sank in 1802. The marble piece, measuring approximately three inches wide and two inches tall, is believed to have belonged to the ornamental crown of the 5th century B.C.E. temple and features a gutta ornament. This find adds to ongoing archaeological research into the remnants of Elgin's ship, which transported a significant portion of the Parthenon marbles to Britain.
Art Dubai postpones 20th edition to May 2026
Art Dubai has postponed its 20th edition from mid-April to May 14-17, 2026, due to ongoing conflict in the Middle East, particularly Iranian strikes affecting the UAE. The fair will adopt a more focused and flexible format, with galleries not required to pay stand fees but instead charged a percentage of sales, capped at the equivalent of the stand fee. This decision comes as the region faces disruptions in flights and freight, raising concerns about participation from international galleries.
British Museum defends label changes amid criticism
The British Museum stated that it did not remove references to Palestine from its labels in response to pressure from UK Lawyers for Israel, despite claims from over 200 cultural figures who signed an open letter criticizing the museum for alleged historical revisionism. The museum clarified that changes to the labels in its Ancient Levant and Egyptian galleries were made prior to the letter's publication and continue to include the term 'Palestine' in various contexts.
Cold-war novelist Len Deighton dies at 97
Len Deighton, a prolific writer known for his influential cold-war thrillers, has died at the age of 97, according to his literary agent Tim Bates. Deighton gained prominence with his first novel, "The IPCRESS File," published in 1962, which was later adapted into a film starring Michael Caine. Over his career, he authored more than two dozen novels, including notable works such as "Funeral in Berlin" and "SS-GB," and also contributed to historical nonfiction and cookbooks.
Christie's to Auction Indian Art Collection in 2026
Christie's will auction a collection of Indian paintings and calligraphy from Seattle-based collectors Mary and Cheney Cowles in London on April 28, 2026, with estimates exceeding £1.5m. The sale features 86 lots, primarily Mughal paintings from the 16th to mid-19th century, including a highlight piece, _Ascetics Encamped Outside a Walled Town, Haryana_ (circa 1816), estimated at £120,000-180,000. The collection reflects the Cowles' extensive interest in East Asian art and includes significant examples of Islamic calligraphy.
