In the footsteps of michelangelo

Isabella d’Este, Marchioness of Mantua, bargained, cajoled and went behind her family’s back to get what she desired. Meet 16th-century Italy’s most formidable collector

Used in the construction of Florence’s Duomo and favoured by 19th-century architects and designers, Impruneta clay is as solid as rock, finds Arabella Youens

From topless staddle stones outperforming complete ones to two versions of the same desk selling on the same day 212 miles apart, bizarre occurrences are par for the course at contents sales

THE LOOKS AND LAUNCHES EXCITING US NOW

This month, embrace the spirit of coastal living, shop for the perfect headboard, and refresh your space with botanical prints that bring nature indoors

Every year, Milan Design Week sets the city buzzing with inspiration and delight – our editor Pip Rich took it all in and reports back on the pieces that got everyone excited