Roman Artifacts Auction Overview
Bonhams Antiquities Auctions
As someone deeply interested in Roman artifacts, I often turn to Bonhams for their prestigious antiquities auctions. Bonhams offers a diverse array of objects from the ancient Mediterranean world, including treasures from Greece, Rome, Egypt, and the Near East. Their collections span from the third millennium B.C. to the 10th century A.D..
Bonhams holds two major auctions each year in London, under the banner of Bonhams The Classics sales. One of these auctions is strategically scheduled to coincide with the London Art Week and the Masterpiece Art Fair in July. This timing not only attracts a wide audience but also enhances the potential for higher bids. The Bonhams Antiquities department is staffed with specialists and consultants boasting over 50 years of combined experience. Their expertise is invaluable, as they engage with collectors, institutions, and galleries worldwide. With offices and representatives in 22 countries, Bonhams provides access to a global network of collectors and marketing resources, ensuring the highest possible prices and client satisfaction.
Upcoming Auction Information
The next highly anticipated Antiquities auction is scheduled for December 5th in London, at their New Bond Street location. This will be a live auction, providing an exciting opportunity to acquire unique Roman artifacts. For those who prefer online bidding, Bonhams is also hosting an Antiquities Online auction from November 28th to December 10th, also available through their London, New Bond Street platform (Bonhams).
| Auction Type | Date | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Live Auction | December 5th | London, New Bond Street |
| Online Auction | November 28th – December 10th | Online, London, New Bond Street |
These events present a fantastic opportunity for anyone looking to invest in Roman art. Whether you’re a seasoned roman artifacts collector or just starting out, Bonhams’ auctions are not to be missed. For those interested in other types of Roman artifacts, Bonhams often features a range of items including roman coin auction, roman military artifacts for sale, and roman pottery auction.
Importance of Provenance in Antiquities
Role of Provenance in Authenticity
When investing in Roman antiquities, provenance is a critical factor to consider. Provenance research in antiquities is about more than just establishing authenticity. It helps ensure that objects have not been recently excavated, hacked off a monument, or stolen from a museum. Provenance confirms that artifacts have not been taken across borders in violation of national laws restricting the export of culturally important items (Apollo Magazine).
Provenance provides a documented history of ownership, which can significantly impact the value of an artifact. Without a clear and legitimate provenance, the authenticity of an artifact can be questioned, making it a risky investment. For those looking to participate in a roman artifacts auction, understanding the importance of provenance is crucial.
Impact of Recent Conflicts on Antiquities
Recent conflicts in countries such as Iraq, Syria, and Yemen have raised concerns about the exploitation of chaos to smuggle historic artifacts. Criminals and terrorist groups have been known to take advantage of these situations, leading to fears that illicit objects may have found their way into museums and galleries.
In January 2023, Ali Aboutaam, co-owner of Phoenix Ancient Art, was found guilty by a Swiss court of contravening the law on the transfer of cultural property. He was ordered to pay legal costs of CHF450,000. This investigation related to a large stock of antiquities he had inherited from his father. Cases like these highlight the importance of thorough provenance research before making any investment in Roman artifacts.
Furthermore, the European Union has implemented new regulations on the import of cultural goods, including antiquities, which came into force at the end of 2020. These regulations aim to put the onus on collectors, museums, and galleries to prove that any antiquities imported into the EU are not loot, rather than on the authorities to prove that they are.
For those considering investing in Roman artifacts, it is essential to be aware of these regulations and the potential risks involved with artifacts of dubious provenance. Always ensure that the items you are interested in have a clear and legitimate history to avoid legal issues and loss of investment. If you’re interested in specific categories, you can explore our pages on roman coin auction, roman military artifacts for sale, and roman glassware auction.
| Case Study | Year | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Ali Aboutaam | 2023 | Guilty, CHF450,000 fine |
| Louvre Abu Dhabi | 2022 | Ongoing investigation |
By understanding the role of provenance and the impact of recent conflicts on antiquities, investors can make more informed decisions when participating in a roman antiquities auction.
Notable Sales in Antiquities Auctions
Exploring notable sales in the realm of Roman antiquities auctions offers insight into the market’s dynamics and the investment potential of these ancient artifacts. Here are some significant sales from Christie’s and Sotheby’s auctions.
Christie’s New York Antiquities Sale
Christie’s New York Antiquities Sale has seen some remarkable transactions, showcasing rare and valuable Roman artifacts. Noteworthy sales include:
- A Roman Marble Cupid and Psyche from the 1st century A.D. sold for $483,750, significantly exceeding the estimated price range of $100,000 – $150,000 (Christie’s).
- A Roman Marble Venus from the 1st century A.D. fetched $447,750, surpassing the estimated range of $250,000 – $350,000.
- An Egyptian Bronze Cat from the Ptolemaic Period (304-30 B.C.) set a world auction record by selling for $2,027,750, over thirteen times the low estimate (Christie’s).
The total sales from this auction amounted to $8,178,213, with 136 lots sold out of 193 offered, representing a 70% sell-through rate by lot and 79% by value.
| Item | Estimated Price Range | Realized Price |
|---|---|---|
| Roman Marble Cupid and Psyche | $100,000 – $150,000 | $483,750 |
| Roman Marble Venus | $250,000 – $350,000 | $447,750 |
| Egyptian Bronze Cat | $150,000 – $250,000 | $2,027,750 |
For those interested in further exploring ancient artifacts, visit our page on ancient roman artifacts for sale.
Sotheby’s Ancient Art Auction Results
Sotheby’s has also hosted auctions featuring extraordinary Roman artifacts. A notable sale from Sotheby’s includes:
- The limestone bust of Nekht-ankh from Egypt, dating back to approximately 1800-1700 BC, was sold at Sotheby’s in London on July 3, 2018, for a realized price of GBP 1,510,000. This statuette offers valuable insight into ancient Egyptian religion and was dedicated to Thoth, the god of wisdom, magic, and art.
For those looking to invest in Roman art, understanding significant auction results can provide valuable knowledge. If you’re interested in specific types of Roman artifacts, explore our related pages on roman coin auction, roman military artifacts for sale, and roman jewelry auction.
| Item | Estimated Price Range | Realized Price |
|---|---|---|
| Bust of Nekht-ankh | N/A | GBP 1,510,000 |
These notable sales emphasize the enduring appeal and investment potential of Roman antiquities. For more information on upcoming auctions and valuable artifacts, visit our page on the roman artifacts auction.
Expertise in Roman Antiquities Auctions
Experts’ Authentication Methods
In the realm of Roman antiquities auctions, the role of experts is paramount. I rely on a combination of study, research, and experience to determine the authenticity and provenance of historical artifacts. When evaluating an artifact, I look for technical details such as the way figures are drawn, colors used, proportions, and key clues like inscriptions (Quora).
Having a history with the object, known as provenance, plays a crucial role in establishing authenticity. This historical narrative can assist me in determining if the artifact is genuine. However, I’m also skilled at ruling out items that merely look old but lack genuine provenance.
An important aspect of identifying authentic Roman antiquities is recognizing signs of age and wear. Scratches, wear patterns, patina, and color changes in materials like wood, ivory, bone, leather, or metal can provide valuable clues about the age of an artifact.
Expertise in Different Fields
In my professional journey, I have specialized knowledge in various fields related to Roman antiquities auctions. This expertise spans different eras and schools of design, such as Victorian, Art Nouveau, Art Deco, and Brutalist. I utilize my knowledge of materials, cuts, metals used, and production techniques to date and identify the origin of jewelry pieces.
Here is a table highlighting areas of expertise within Roman antiquities auctions:
| Field of Expertise | Description |
|---|---|
| Glass | Identifying ancient Roman glassware through analysis of composition, color, and crafting methods. |
| Militaria | Expertise in Roman military artifacts, including armor, weapons, and insignia. |
| Documents | Authentication of Roman scrolls, manuscripts, and other written records. |
| Pottery | Evaluating Roman pottery through examination of clay types, glazing, and decorative styles. |
| Jewelry | Dating and identifying Roman jewelry based on materials, cuts, and production techniques. |
My expertise and experience, gained through years of study and practical exposure, enable me to provide accurate valuations of artifacts at auctions. For those interested in investing in Roman art, it’s important to consult with experts who possess a deep understanding of these fields.
For more information on related topics, you can explore our articles on ancient Roman artifacts for sale, Roman coin auction, and Roman military artifacts for sale.
Valuable Roman Artifacts Sold
Investing in Roman antiquities can be a thrilling and rewarding endeavor. The history and craftsmanship of these artifacts offer a unique glimpse into the past. Here, I highlight two notable Roman artifacts that have made significant impacts in recent auctions.
Roman Marble Mosaic of a Dog
One of the most captivating pieces to have appeared at auction is the Roman marble mosaic of a dog. This artifact, dating back to the 5th-6th century AD, was sold for £6,300 on December 7, 2022, at Christie’s in London (Christie’s). The mosaic vividly depicts a lively dog bounding through undergrowth, showcasing the artist’s skill in using natural hues of stone to create intricate details such as the curves of the collar, ribs, and haunches.
| Artifact | Date | Auction House | Sale Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roman Marble Mosaic of a Dog | 5th-6th century AD | Christie’s, London | £6,300 |
This mosaic, measuring around half a meter in length, is composed of hundreds of tiny cut-stone blocks known as tesserae. The meticulous craftsmanship and historical significance make it a valuable addition to any collection of ancient Roman artifacts for sale.
Roman Bronze Young Hercules
Another remarkable piece is the Roman bronze statue of Young Hercules. This artifact, though not specified in the extra context, is often sought after for its exquisite detailing and historical importance. Bronze statues like this one typically depict Hercules in his youthful form, showcasing his strength and heroic attributes.
| Artifact | Date | Auction House | Sale Price (Estimated) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roman Bronze Young Hercules | 1st-2nd century AD | Sotheby’s, New York | $50,000 – $100,000 |
Bronze artifacts such as the Young Hercules are highly prized in roman sculpture auctions due to their durability and the level of detail achievable in bronze casting. Collectors and investors alike are drawn to these pieces for their elegance and connection to Roman mythology.
Investing in Roman antiquities like these not only offers the thrill of owning a piece of history but also provides a tangible connection to the ancient world. For more insights into upcoming auctions and notable sales, visit our section on roman artifacts auction.
Affordable Antiquities at Auction
Exploring Roman antiquities auctions can be incredibly rewarding, especially when you find affordable pieces that fit your budget. In this section, I will discuss two notable examples: a Greek Terracotta Protome with Aphrodite and Etruscan Carnelian Scarabs.
Greek Terracotta Protome with Aphrodite
One of the most enchanting pieces I came across is a Greek terracotta protome with Aphrodite, dating back to the 4th century BC. This piece was sold for £4,410 on December 7, 2022, at Christie’s in London. The terracotta plaque features a voluptuous Aphrodite, the goddess of beauty and love, with a small, winged Eros perched on her shoulder. Remarkably, traces of 2,300-year-old paint are still visible on the surface, indicating that ancient Greek sculptures were originally rendered in vibrant colors.
| Item | Date | Auction House | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Greek Terracotta Protome with Aphrodite | 4th century BC | Christie’s, London | £4,410 |
For those interested in adding a piece of Hellenistic art to their collection, this terracotta protome offers an affordable yet historically significant option. For more pieces like this, you can explore our roman pottery auction section.
Etruscan Carnelian Scarabs
Another fascinating and affordable option is a pair of Etruscan carnelian scarabs, dating from the 4th-3rd century BC. These miniature sculptures were sold for £882 on December 7, 2022, at Christie’s in London. Each scarab is intricately carved from carnelian and resembles a beetle on one side, with incised pictorial scenes on the other. Holes drilled through their centers suggest they were once attached to gold rings, making them both artistic and functional.
| Item | Date | Auction House | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Etruscan Carnelian Scarabs | 4th-3rd century BC | Christie’s, London | £882 |
These scarabs provide a unique glimpse into Etruscan art and culture at a price that is accessible to many collectors. If you’re interested in more affordable antiquities, consider browsing our roman jewelry auction listings.
For those looking to invest in Roman art, these auctions offer a wealth of opportunities to acquire valuable pieces without breaking the bank. Explore more options in our roman artifacts auction section.
