Zilkens'
News Blog

Zilkens' News Blog 17 2025

John XXIII, Paul VI, John Paul I, John Paul II, Benedict XVI and Francis I are the popes I have been privileged to witness during my lifetime. During the papacy of John XXIII, the world population was approximately 2 billion, and Christians made up about 1 billion – that is, 50%. Now there are approximately 8 billion people on Earth and 1.3 billion Christians, which is a decline in percentage terms, but in nominal terms, despite all the scandals that are often brought to the fore because of the Church's claims, it is an increase. The oldest religions, Hinduism, Judaism, Christianity, Buddhism and Islam, are struggling in different ways with the changing spirit of the times. None of these religions is as hierarchically structured as the Catholic Church, and its Pontifex Maximus died on Easter Monday morning, one day after the resurrection of Jesus. He fulfilled his duty to the very end. Even the American Vice President Vance, who is not exactly known for his Christian behaviour (unless hypocrisy counts), was received on Easter Sunday morning. The Pope was probably too weak to read him the riot act, but he was certainly able to remind him of the values that ultimately originate in old Europe and which the USA was able to boast of until recently.

On Sunday, severe storms made a brief appearance in parts of Germany. In Cologne, this caused numerous alarm systems and the internet to go haywire. We were unavailable all day Monday. But it shows how dependent we have become on functioning technology. Nevertheless, topics such as cyber security and cyber insurance are not on the radar, especially in the art trade and galleries. Many gallery owners rely on their wonderful memories. Everyone is now aware of the risk of fire – and cyber risks are the new fire risk. If you would like to know more, please contact our team or me.

Art Brussels opens its doors on Thursday. We can look forward to it. Art Basel is losing importance for some traditional exhibitors there, as Stefan Kobel's report shows. Some people are also feeling the arrogance of the fair. The criteria for awarding first choice and VIP tickets are not transparent, at least as far as the Basel headquarters is concerned.

Galleries in Spain have to charge 21% VAT on the art they sell – this really distorts competition in Europe. In France, the rate is 5.5% and in Germany 7%. But the socialist government in Spain has recognised this very clearly: art is for the rich, and they are welcome to pay a lot of VAT. The fact that there are no longer any real borders in a single market has not yet dawned on people who like to pay with other people's money.

Have a good short week

Stephan Zilkens and the team at Zilkens Fine Art Insurance Broker GmbH in Solothurn and Cologne.