#London #United Kingdom #Apollo Art Auctions #Prince Collection #Fine Ancient Art

A Royal Gathering of Antiquities at Apollo Art Auctions

On December 15, 2024, a significant event will unfold in the heart of London as Apollo Art Auctions presents its exclusive Fine Ancient Art & Jewellery Auction, showcasing the magnificent Prince Collection. This remarkable collection is one of the largest royal-provenance assemblages ever to be highlighted by an auction house and features 280 exquisite lots ranging from antiquities of varied origins, including Egyptian, Phoenician, Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Asian artifacts.

Auction Details

Scheduled to start at 10:30 AM GMT (5:30 AM US Eastern Time), this live gallery auction offers not only in-person bidding but also accommodates absentee and online bids through platforms like Apollo Live and LiveAuctioneers. The items presented span an impressive timeline from the 40th century BC to the 16th century AD, ensuring there’s something for every enthusiast of ancient art.

Featured Highlights

Among the prized items for auction is a rare Egyptian black granite sphinx head of a pharaoh from the XXVth Dynasty (circa 747-653 BC), likely depicting Taharqa (circa 690-664 BC). Standing at 130mm x 120mm (5.1in x 4.7in) and weighing in at 2.25 kg (4lbs 15oz), this imposing artwork features an elegant visage with almond-shaped eyes and a contemplative expression adorned with a cobra headdress. The opening bid for this standout piece is set at £20,000 (approximately $25,485).

Another highlight includes two consecutive sandstone reliefs that delve into powerful narratives from ancient Egypt. The first, dating to the reign of Pharaoh Akhenaten, captures the Pharaoh in a solemn act of worship towards the god Aton, a relief significant for its ties to the inception of monotheism in ancient Egypt. This historic artifact has an opening bid of £10,000 (approximately $12,740).

The auction will also feature other notable pieces, including:

• - A highly decorative alabaster jar from the reign of Ramses II priced starting at £8,000.
• - A rare steatite head representing the goddess Hathor or one of her worshippers, opening at £5,000.
• - A carved black stone ritual mortar, estimated to start at £8,000.
• - A beautifully crafted blue faience shabti dating back to circa 1075-945 BC, available for a starting bid of £2,000.

Access and Additional Information

Visitors have the opportunity to preview these remarkable items at the Apollo gallery from now until December 13, between 10 AM and 5 PM on weekdays. With an address at 63-64 Margaret Street, London W1W 8SW, guests are encouraged to make appointments for a guided experience through the collection.

Payments can be made in GBP, USD, and EUR with worldwide shipping available for most antiquities without import charges when sent to the USA. Each item is packed meticulously by skilled specialists who ensure every detail is attended to.

For further inquiries regarding auction items, bidding procedures, or shipping details, interested parties can reach out directly to Apollo Art Auctions at +44 7424 994167 or visit their website at www.apolloauctions.com.

Conclusion

The upcoming auction presents a unique opportunity to acquire royal artifacts steeped in history. Whether you're a seasoned collector or new to the world of ancient art, the Fine Ancient Art & Jewellery Auction on December 15 promises to be a captivating experience, celebrating the timeless allure of our ancient past.