NEW YORK – Antiquities and ancient art from the Mediterranean, with a focus on Egypt, Greece and Rome, are the core of a Jasper52 online that will be held Wednesday, Feb. 6. The 70-lot selection consists of sculptures, amulets and jewelry reflecting the art and cultures of the ancient world. Absentee and Internet live bidding is available through LiveAuctioneers.
Many of the objects are small and have affordable estimates, such as an Egyptian amulet of carved carnelian stone that dates to 600-300 B.C. It represents the Eye of Horus, is an ancient Egyptian symbol of protection, royal power and good health. Ancient Egyptian and Middle-Eastern sailors would frequently paint the symbol on the bow of their vessel to ensure safe sea travel. The 1-inch-wide amulet is from a European private collection and was acquired in Belgium in the 1990s (est. $400-$600).
Older still is an Egyptian schist palette in the form of a fish from the Naqqada II culture, circa 3500-3000 B.C. The stone fish from the Nile is “a keeper,” at nearly 4 inches long (est. $1,400-$2,500).
At least 10 lots in the auction are from ancient Greece, including a pair of silver earrings that date to the second century B.C. The hoop of each earring is formed from four twisted silver wires tapering at one end and terminating in a magnificent lion’s head at the other (est. $500-$800).
Sailing northwest from Greece across the Adriatic Sea is Apulia, one of the richest archaeological regions in Italy. It was first colonized by Mycenaean Greeks, 1600-1100 B.C. A small Greek Apulian lekythos, a terra-cotta jug, in the auction dates to the third century B.C. It is decorated in brown slip in a net pattern (est. $500-$700).
Hercules, the Roman hero and god, is widely depicted in ancient art. A Roman silver figure, only 1 7/8 inches tall, depicts Hercules with a lion-skin mantle over his left forearm and his right hand resting on the handle of a club. The well-modeled statuette dates to the first century B.C. or first century A.D. (est. $1,400-$2,000)
From Gandhara, a state in ancient India, is a terra-cotta figure of Buddha that dates to the third or fourth century. Seated in the lotus position, the figure is carved stone, dark schist, 3 5/8 inches high (est. $500-$1,000).
Sourced mostly from established European collections, all of the items come with a certificate of authenticity and have a lifetime guarantee.
The Jasper52 Antiquities and Ancient Art auction well be conducted Wednesday, Feb. 6, starting at 8 p.m. Eastern time.
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