Roman Marbles Soar Past Estimates at Freeman’s | Hindman’s $2.4M Spring Antiquities and Ancient Art Auction

Roman marbles highlighted Freeman’s | Hindman Antiquities and Ancient Art action as the category led the charge to a thrilling $2.4 million day. The auction featured more than 180 works of enduring beauty and cultural significance from across the ancient Mediterranean and Near East. An impressive 90% of lots sold while the sale itself achieved 144% of its presale estimate.

“We couldn’t be more thrilled with the results,” said Jacob Coley, Freeman’s | Hindman’s Vice President and Head of Department for Antiquities & Ancient Art. “It was such a joy to get to witness the marble mania in our Chicago saleroom as these ancient works of art proved that they’re just as beautiful and coveted as ever.”

Marble Mania

As expected, the top lot of the auction was a 1st century B.C. to 1st Century A.D. life-sized torso of a young man at the cusp of adulthood, likely belonging to a young god, which sold for $127,500 (lot 142). In a relaxed standing pose, the sculptor achieves a deft balance between adolescent softness and emerging virile strength. While the missing head and limbs make confirming the figure’s identity difficult, the two most likely candidates are the gods Apollo and Dionysos.

Other marble highlights included:

· Lot 140 | A Roman Marble Torso of Achilles Circa 2nd Century A.D. | SOLD FOR $108,450

· Lot 106 | A Roman Marble Cinerary Urn Circa 2nd Century A.D. | SOLD FOR $83,050

· Lot 56 | A Roman Marble Torso of a Youthful God or Satyr Circa 1st-2nd Century A.D. | SOLD FOR $64,000

· Lot 105 | A Roman Marble Cinerary Urn Circa 1st-2nd Century A.D. | SOLD FOR $64,000

Other Highlights

Among the many other highlights from the auction were:

· Lot 21 | An Egyptian Granite Torso of an Official Ptolemaic Period, Reign of Ptolemy II-Ptolemy VII, 285-116 B.C. | SOLD FOR $114,800

· Lot 131 | A Roman Mosaic Panel with a Theater Mask Circa 1st Century A.D. | SOLD FOR $76,700

· Lot 14 | An Egyptian Amazonite Baboon New Kingdom, 18th-20th Dynasty, 1550-1070 B.C. | SOLD FOR $70,350 

· Lot 99 | A Greek Black-Figured Mug with an Octopus Circa Late 5th Century B.C. | SOLD FOR $57,600