‘SCARFACE’ BUST ONCE OWNED BY PHOENIX ANCIENT ART TRIPLES ESTIMATE AT SOTHEBY’S

The market for fine antiquities has never been stronger. For example, a four-inch black chlorite bust of a mythological hero, whose most distinguishing characteristics are a long shell-inlaid scar crossing the right side of his face and another large scar on his left cheek sold at Sotheby’s on 8 December for $1,258,500 against a pre-sale estimate fo $300,000-500,000. The piece was consigned by a collector who bought it from the Aboutaam brothers, co-owners of Phoenix Ancient Art, who bought it at Christie’s in June 2000 for $105,000. The small but powerful piece has been in several private collections and is believed to have been found prior to 1961.

CYCLADIC FIGURE BRINGS RECORD PRICE AT CHRISTIE’S

Christie’s Antiquities sale on 9 December was highlighted by an 11 ½ inch Cycladic marble reclining female figure, circa 2400 B.C. The piece of one of twelve known by the “Schuster Master,” so-called for this piece which once belonged to Swiss collector Marion Schuster. This example, which is the only complete work from the artist to survive, has never been up for auction before. It was last on the market in 2006, when the Aboutaam brothers, owners of Phoenix Ancient Art, exhibited it in their booth at the Paris Biennale. The piece was sold shortly after that to a private collector who consigned it to Christie’s for sale on TK December. The idol sold for $16,882,500, against presale expectations of $3-5 million. The price was a new auction record for a Cycladic marble figure, eclipsing the previous auction record of $2.09 million, paid at Sotheby’s for a Cycladic head in December 1988.

Neolithic to Nebuchadnezzar

  Phoenix Ancient t Art, Winged griffin flanking a scared tree, Phoenician, ca. 8th century B.C., ivory, H 10.6 cm   [Hicham] Aboutaam notes, “There are people who collect both Classical and Near Eastern art, but not everybody does that. Those who like Near Eastern art in general, feel that it is historically and archeologically superior to Classical art. Those who… (more…)

PNOENIX ANCIENT ART TO EXHIBIT IN NEW YORK IN OCTOBER AT THE INTERNATIONAL FINE ART & ANTIQUE DEALERS SHOW

Rarities on the stand of Phoenix Ancient Art include: Greek, late 8th century B.C. bronze A Geometric Horse H: 11 cm, Base: 7 cm (4.3 x 2.8 in.) The horse dates from the Geometric Period, 10th to 8th century B.C.  The era was a time of great cultural advancement: Homer and the rise of epic poetry and the development of… (more…)

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