Porta Nigra Restoration Uses Laser Technology, Plus Art Market Highlights and Auction News

The Porta Nigra, a Roman city gate in Trier dating from around 170 AD, is undergoing a major restoration project to remove decades of environmental grime and crust that threaten the structure. Restorers are using laser technology to gently clean the southern facade, with work expected to continue until late 2027. The process involves a laser pistol emitting a strong light beam that causes dirt and soot to vaporize, leaving the underlying sandstone untouched. The project, costing approximately one million euros, is led by restorers including Walter Hartleitner and Ulrich Bauer-Bornemann, with archaeologist Karl-Uwe Mahler noting the gate's characteristic black coloration will remain. This is the first major restoration since the early 1970s. Separately, a recently rediscovered still life by 17th-century French painter Lubin Baugin, 'Nature morte aux financiers,' sold for €440,000 at Vichy Enchères on August 16, 2025, setting a new auction record for the artist. The Pinakothek der Moderne's friends association celebrated its 60th anniversary with a benefit auction on November 15, featuring a 2005 work by Neo-Geo artist Peter Halley titled 'Dada Ji,' expected to fetch at least €140,000. Additionally, a rare 1941 Hasselblad HK 7 aerial camera sold for €32,000 at Cologne auction house Breker on September 13, far exceeding its €900 starting price.