BEST?

Behind Botticelli’s Beauty – You may think you know the celebrated artist’s work, Primavera, but we’re here to highlight some lesser-known facts about the painting.

It’s the Final Countdown – In 2016, artist Matthew Barney installed a giant clock counting down the days until Trump left office. Now, it’s finally gone dark.

Trump Balloon Heads to the Museum – The Museum of London has acquired the giant “Trump Baby” blimp that soared over the city as part of a protest during his presidency.

Berning Up the Internet – The star of this week’s inauguration was none other than Bernie Sanders, who ended up getting photoshopped into a slew of art-historical memes.

Honoring Madame Vice President – Seven artists of color created a moving video to celebrate her historic victory.

A Royal Discovery – Archaeologists in Egypt discovered more than 50 painted sarcophagi and the temple to an ancient queen.

Inside Biden’s Oval Office – One of the first orders of business when Biden took office was to switch out Trump’s art—and we’ve decoded all the symbolism of the new administration’s aesthetic.

What We Hope for in 2021 – Artnet News asked artists, curators, and gallerists what changes they hope to see in the industry this year.

Robert Storr Takes Aim – As he publishes a new book of essays, the esteemed curator and critic is taking shots at art-world heavyweights.

WORST?

Art Basel’s Swiss Edition on Ice – The juggernaut art fair has opted to postpone its IRL edition in Basel until September, and to roll out online viewing rooms in the meantime.

Fire in Brussels – A fire broke out at the Center for Fine Arts in Brussels, though firefighters managed to tamp down the flames before any art was damaged.

Trump Pardons Art Dealer – In one of his final executive acts, former president Trump pardoned art dealer Helly Nahmad, who was sentenced to prison in 2014 for co-organizing an illegal gambling ring.

Dealer Convicted of Selling Fake Albers – A Milan-based art dealer was convicted for attempting to sell a forged Josef Albers painting that the artist’s foundation deemed fake years ago.