Czech National Gallery Director Dismissed Amid Political Changes; Art Market Records and Auctions Highlighted

Alicja Knast, the director of the Czech National Gallery in Prague, has been unexpectedly removed from her position by Culture Minister Oto Klempir, who was nominated by the right-wing Motorist Party. Knast, who became the first woman to lead the institution in 2021, expressed surprise at the decision. Klempir cited the need for the gallery to better utilize its collection potential, though specific plans remain unclear. The National Gallery, founded 230 years ago, includes venues like the Trade Fair Palace and Schwarzenberg Palace, and saw approximately 555,000 visitors last year. Temporary leadership will be assumed by art historian Olga Kotkova. This change occurs under a coalition government led by right-populist ANO party, amid concerns about the gallery's funding and ministerial dependence. Separately, a 17th-century French painter Lubin Baugin achieved a record auction price of €440,000 for his recently rediscovered still life "Nature morte aux financiers" at Vichy Enchères in August 2025, surpassing previous highs for his work. Additionally, the Friends of the Pinakothek der Moderne celebrated their 60th anniversary with a benefit auction on November 15, featuring a 2005 painting by Neo-Geo artist Peter Halley, expected to fetch at least €140,000. In Cologne, Breker auction house sold a rare 1941 Hasselblad HK 7 aerial camera for €32,000 in September, far exceeding its starting price of €900.