A chance discovery may have unlocked the secrets behind one of the most notorious nudes in art history after a 19th-century portrait was unearthed in a bric-a-brac shop.

Jeny Curnow was widely known as the wife of the celebrated poet Allen Curnow but she was a remarkable and gifted person in her own right.

The premise of New Finnish Grammar is inspired: a wounded soldier is found by a German crew on the quay at Trieste in September, 1943. He has no identification on him, no memory whatsoever and, crucially, no language.

Peta Mathias may wear a medal on her chest but the vibrant author, chef and television presenter still doesn't cast a shadow on her mum.

Diaries at the ready! From fashion to film, music to must-reads - there’s much that’s exciting us about the year ahead.

An investiture ceremony for author, chef and television presenter Peta Mathias will be held at Government House in Auckland today.

Outdoor sculpture exhibition Sculpture on the Gulf is up and running. Set around the coastal walkway on Waiheke Island, the event has been marked as a must do in 2013 by The New York Times. The 30 piece collection will be on display until February 17. Here's a look at some of the pieces.

Last November in Hamilton, the Rothko Quartet carried off top prize in the Pettman/ROSL Arts International Chamber Music Competition.

The Alba family, the noblest in Spain after the King, has put its private collection of art on show at the Centro Centro in Madrid.

Artists from New Zealand and the Pacific have a big presence at APT7, which features 75 artists from 27 countries.

Auckland's Wynyard Quarter is being turned into a sculpture park this February and March, with Summer of Sculpture bringing the works of a wide range of local artists out into the open on the Waterfront. Have a sneak peak at some of the cool creations. Go here biglittlecity.co.nz for more info.

Aucklanders' rates have given a $46 million boost to 10 rescue, safety, arts and cultural groups in the past four years and a further $14 million gift is proposed for the 2013-14 year.