CHICAGO, IL.- Hindman’s Antiquities & Ancient Art auction on May 25 will feature over 240 objects from the ancient Mediterranean world. From an Egyptian faience hippopotamus to a large Cycladic marble head, this auction features a selection of ancient works that will appeal to a wide range of collectors.
Top Highlight
An Egyptian faience hippopotamus (lot 63; estimate: $40,000-60,000) is among the most closely watched lots leading up to the auction.
“Based on our research, there are only five of these Egyptian hippopotami known including this example. We are delighted to have it on offer with us,” commented Jacob Coley, Hindman Director & Senior Specialist of Antiquities & Ancient Art. “We are anticipating that this dynamic statuette will see significant attention on auction day.”
While its meaning remains ambiguous and scholars continue to debate its significance, it is clear the hippopotamus has played a critical role in Egypt’s material culture.
Additional noteworthy lots include:
Lot 87 | An Egyptian Green Jasper Plaque | Estimate: $80,000 - 120,000
This plaque is a royal celebration of the horse, and depicts a very specific moment in Egyptian history, the co-regency between two pharaohs from the New Kingdom. On one side, Tuthmose III is shown as a charioteer in battle, while the reverse portrays his son and successor, Amenhotep II, in a more intimate setting feeding his favorite steed.
Lot 139 | A Large Cycladic Marble Head | Estimate: $100,000 - 150,000
This large Cycladic head is 5 ¾ inches long and once belonged to an exceptionally slender figure (likely female) of nearly three feet in length. The strikingly elongated shape is punctuated by a precisely carved aquiline nose, which emerges as a ridge from the otherwise featureless face.
Prince Poniatowski Intaglios | Rediscovered Engraved 19th Century Gems
These seven intaglios (lot 175-182) were originally from the Prince Stanislas Poniatowski Collection. The collection of approximately 25,000 intaglios, once thought to be ancient masterpieces and scattered around the world after their age contested, are now being rediscovered and sought after by engraved gem collectors. A strong example from the group includes a Neoclassical Carnelian Intaglio with Minerva and Cadmus Sowing the Dragon’s Teeth (lot 177; estimate: $1,500-2,500).
Property from the Collection of Arnold-Peter C. Weiss, M.D. | A Study of Anatomy Through Ancient Bronze Arms and Hands
The collection of Arnold Arnold-Peter C. Weiss, M.D. (lots 221-229) examines anatomy through the lens of ancient art. Weiss is an internationally known hand surgeon and Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at both Brown University Medical School and the Medical University of South Carolina.
This group of ancient hands and arms from his collection was built over nearly three decades and chosen for their aesthetic appeal.
A Greek Bronze Right Arm (lot 222; estimate: $80,000 - 100,000) is among notable lots in the group. Likely cast by a royal workshop, this highly naturalistic over life-sized arm displays a striking degree of anatomical precision.
The Stephen Albert Collection | An Award-Winning American Composer Inspired by Rome
Stephen Joel Albert (1941-1992) was an American composer, who also had a keen interest in history. He is best known for his Symphony No. 1, RiverRun (1983), written for the National Symphony Orchestra which won a Pulitzer Prize for Music.
Albert developed a passion for collecting antiquities after he won the Rome Prize Fellowship to work independently at the American Academy in Rome. As he was guided by friends and fellow artists, over the next three decades Albert would go on to form a sizeable collection of objects from the ancient Mediterranean world, the majority of which will be offered across lots 1-57.
