Rare Egyptian carved black stone ritual mortar, Middle Kingdom, circa 2055-1790 BC. Exterior shows standing figures, probably priests, in high relief, one wearing a long skirt, the other naked and wearing a long wig alternating to vertical lines of hieroglyphic inscription. Size: 240mm x 210mm (9.4in x 8.3in); Weight: 18.29kg (40lbs 5oz) Opening bid: £8,000/$10,195. ©
This December, art enthusiasts and history lovers alike are in for an extraordinary experience. On Sunday morning, December 15, 2024, Apollo Art Auctions will host a landmark Fine Ancient Art & Jewellery Auction in Central London, spotlighting The Prince Collection—one of the most extensive royal-provenance collections ever presented by the renowned firm.
With 280 exquisite lots spanning Egyptian, Phoenician, Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Asian origins, the auction will transport collectors through time. Artefacts range from the 40th century BC to the 16th century AD, offering an unparalleled glimpse into the artistry and culture of the ancient world. The live gallery event begins at 10:30 AM GMT(5:30 AM US Eastern Time) with options for absentee and live online bidding through Apollo Live and LiveAuctioneers.
A Provenance Steeped in Prestige
The Prince Collection is a treasure trove, not only for its rarity but for its history of ownership. Many of its finest pieces once graced the holdings of eminent collectors and institutions, including:
Jean-Paul Barbier Mueller (1930-2016)
Robert Hatfield Ellsworth (1929-2014)
Edith Bader Koller
W Arnold Meijer
Kurt Flimm
A Obrecht
Jacques H Carre
Jean-Marie Talleux (1930-1995)
The Khawam brothers
The Thalassic Collection
Each item carries with it a legacy of reverence, making the collection not only an assemblage of artefacts but a testament to centuries of dedication to art and history.
Auction Highlights: Rare and Mesmerizing Artifacts
Among the headlining treasures is a black granite sphinx head depicting a pharaoh of the XXVth Dynasty (747-653 BC), likely Taharqa (690-671 BC). This awe-inspiring piece features defined, elegant facial details, almond-shaped eyes, and a serene expression beneath a nemes headdress adorned with the iconic uraeus cobra. Simone Musso, consultant curator for Egyptian antiquities at the Stibbert Museum in Florence, and member of the Nuri Archaeological Expedition, has reviewed this exceptional piece. The bidding starts at £20,000 ($25,485).
Two Egyptian sandstone reliefs also stand out in the collection:
Lot #1: A panel depicting Pharaoh Akhenaten worshipping the sun god Aton, a significant artefact from the controversial ruler who introduced monotheism to Egypt. Despite Akhenaten’s legacy being nearly erased, this relief has survived, opening at £10,000 ($12,740).
Lot #2: A depiction of two male figures, which has twice appeared at Sotheby’s in the last 26 years. It will open at £5,000 ($6,370).
More Egyptian Masterpieces
The auction boasts a wealth of other Egyptian treasures, including:
A highly decorative alabaster jar from the reign of Pharaoh Ramses II, opening at £8,000 ($10,195).
A rare steatite head of Hathor, or a worshipper of Hathor, dating back to 664-332 BC, with bidding starting at £5,000 ($6,370).
A carved black stone ritual mortar with reliefs of men (potentially priests), circa 2055-1790 BC, starting at £8,000 ($10,195).
A hand-built blue faience shabti of Nesytanebetisheru, dating to 1075-945 BC, beginning at £2,000 ($2,550).
Adding to the allure are Romano-Egyptian mosaic beads and inlays, which present a dazzling look at the intersection of two ancient cultures.
Rare Egyptian black granite sphynx head of pharaoh of the XXVth Dynasty (747-653 BC), probably Taharqa (690-971 BC). Size: 130mm x 120mm (5.1in x 4.7in). Weight: 2.25kg (4lbs 15oz). Provenance: The Prince Collection, 1990s-2014; ex Jack Josephson private collection. Opening bid: £20,000/$25,485 ©
Apollo Art Auctions invites collectors and enthusiasts alike to be part of this historic occasion. Whether you’re captivated by the grandeur of the ancient world or the stories behind these extraordinary artefacts, The Prince Collection offers an unmissable opportunity to own a piece of history.
For those unable to attend in person, online bidding ensures you won’t miss out on securing a treasure of your own. Mark your calendar for Sunday, December 15, 2024, and visit Apollo Art Auctions for more information.
