Part of the allure of working in an international auction house is the excitement of unearthing a hitherto lost work of art - and this edition focuses on several such discoveries. Amongst them, the Velazquez painting on page seven is one of the major art discoveries in a generation. On brief inspection, it is perhaps understandable why this the low-key, somber portrait remained undiscovered for so long. However on closer inspection, the intensity of the subject' gaze and the effortless brushstrokes of the artist leave us in no doubt that the portrait is the work of a great master at the height of his powers.

Given the fast moving pace of our business, with over 700 auctions each year (more than any other fine art auctioneer), there is often little time to reflect on the incredible works of art and objects once they have passed through our rooms.

The Review gives us this opportunity to look back on some of the outstanding items that Bonhams has handled over the last six months. As you will see, all these items sold for spectacular prices and during the Autumn season Bonhams achieved world record prices in 16 categories.

Over the next few pages we will let the objects speak for themselves and hope that, like us, you will enjoy this glance back at these magnificent items.