James Haldane

I magine boarding a morning train along the French Riviera only to find Grace Kelly—or, more correctly, Princess Grace of Monaco—settling into the same carriage, wrapped in a beige poplin Yves Saint Laurent suit. That was the surprise awaiting travelers d... See more

Portrait of Bing Crosby by Sam Manning, featuring his signature hat and pipe—accessories central to his persona both on and off screen. M y father didn’t come from a fancy background, and neither did my mother. But he had already built a career in music a... See more

Kaplan’s first painting, Gerrit Dou’s “Portrait of Dirck van Beresteyn,” circa 1652. Courtesy of The Leiden Collection. How did you begin collecting? In 2003, I was introduced to Sir Norman Rosenthal from the Royal Academy in London. When I explained that... See more

W hile there’s no official record of an accidental sneeze ever securing a painting, the choreography of bidding has grown markedly more formal over time. The numbered auction paddles familiar today came into widespread use at Sotheby’s in the late 1980s, ... See more

F or Oscar, music was more than sound—it was a matter of respect, craft and unwavering dedication, reflected as much in his daily rituals as in his legendary performances. And, of course, he wasn’t just a pianist. He was a composer. And a prolific one at ... See more