Antiquities

Christie’s upcoming Antiquities auction will showcase a selection of artifacts from past cultures in the Mediterranean region, ranging from Ancient Egypt to the Byzantine period.

Among the sale highlights is an Attic red-figured kylix attributed to the painter Makron and signed by Hieron as the potter, dating back to circa 490-480 B.C. This kylix, characterized by its exceptional craftsmanship, is as an exquisite example of the red-figure technique by Makron, an artist considered among the finest of his generation.

Also included in the sale is a rare Attic red-figured statuette-vase depicting an African man and a crocodile. This remarkable piece, attributed to the potter Sotades and the Sotades painter, offers a unique glimpse into the artistic experimentation that occurred within ancient Greek pottery workshops and is considered to be the earliest depiction of a crocodile in all Greek art.

The Classical section of the sale will also include a selection of Attic and South Italian vases from the Anton (1921-2002) and Theresia (1945-2019) Dürr-Meienhofer collection in Zurich, offering a variety of shapes and motifs for established and newer collectors alike.

Another highlight is an impressive Scythian electrum appliqué in the shape of a wild resting horse. This exquisite piece demonstrates the exceptional goldsmithing skills of the Scythians, a nomadic people who inhabited the Steppes region during the 1st Millennium B.C. It reflects the importance they placed on equestrian prowess and serves as a testament to their craftsmanship.

Explore the rest of the Classic Week auction series.