Written by Peter Reynaers | 9th July 2018
In our Expert Talks, we hand over the metaphorical pen to one of our experts to discuss a subject in their field of expertise. In this edition, archaeological finds and remains expert Peter Reynaers talks about how collecting ancient artefacts and combining them with modern art can create a uniquely beautiful space.
A Greek Illyrian Helmet with an Akinakes Dagger, c. 400 - 167 BC. The helmet was misleadingly named as an 'Illyrian' type due to a large number of early finds coming from Illyria. The acinaces, also spelled akinakes (Greek ἀκῑνάκης) or akinaka ( Old Persian: akīnakah, Sogdian: kynʼk ) is a type of dagger or short sword used mainly in the first millennium BC in the Eastern Mediterranean region, especially by the Medes, Scythians and Persians, then by the Greeks. This lot is featured in our Archaeological Finds & Remains auction. Expert's estimate: €18,000 - €22,000.
It first may strike you as unbelievable and absolutely mind-blowing that you can buy ancient armour and classical statues made by Greeks and Romans. Over the last couple of decades, the art market explode. I think that it's better to buy art that you really like, rather than going on trends. In the middle of the past century the focus was mainly on paintings and sculptures from Europe and America. Now all of this has changed dramatically. The art market became global and modern as well as ancient (archaeological) art are being collected because they are “a match made in heaven”.
Interior of a modern French home. On the mantelpiece: a painting of Tse-Yun Yang (°1954), a well known modern Chinese master. On the left side: a work of art, part of “les Cruches Cassées” from internationally acclaimed sculptor Johan Creten (°1963). These two pieces are in conversation with a huge “black topped Nagada I vase” from Egypt (ca 4000 - 3500 BC) and a small Egyptian dish in alabaster from the Old Kingdom (Dynasties 3-6, ca 2649-2150 BC). This picture shows how wonderfully modern ancient shapes; they have survived the ages without loosing any of their magic. They combine very well with modern art and sometimes even mirror the modern pieces or are a perfect partner for them.
Collectors have a unique and rare opportunity to preserve art for the future. It is now, in our time and place, that pieces are collected, being described, cared for and shown to others by collectors. That's how art history is made. Collectors are constantly informing their circle of friends about what they like to buy and why they collect. Finally most of the pieces they own, end up in a museum. Today’s homes are much more open to the world, with large bay windows and more space that tends to be just that: space. It is a very good idea to have some pieces of ancient art that withstood the test of time. It will immediately add an atmosphere of knowledge to your surroundings and give pleasure to the eye.
A timeless still life in a modern setting: Nagada IIblack and white stone jar (Egypt ca 3500 - 3200 BC), a Roman terracotta Mortar( 1st century AD) and a modern bronze sculpture by Mia Moreaux (°1950)
Fantastic art at surprisingly low prices
Thanks to the dry climate of Egypt, wooden pieces of art were preserved wonderfully well. This gives us the chance to see nice items coming up for sale that were collected as far as two centuries ago and have given pleasure to the eye of people ever since they were found.
A composition of a modern painting by Belgian painter and sculptor: Mia Moreaux (°1950) In front of which: an Egyptian sarcophagus mask from the XXI dynasty (ca 1000 B.C.) with a mesmerising look and a benign smile. In front of this a small 'Odore di Femmina' in ceramic from international acclaimed artist Johan Creten (°1963). At the other side an Ancient Greek, black figure, Attic little master Kylix from the 6th century B.C.
But it is not because of the age of a piece that it is expensive. Most art from antiquity sells well under the barrier of €1,000 and even for as little as a couple of hundred euro you can own a piece of ancient art with a good provenance.
A Romano-Egyptian terracotta statuette of a boy Harpocrates on a horse, 4th – 3th century B.C. Currently available at Catawiki and estimated by the experts at €650 – 950. This estimate is much lower than any terracotta piece from the 18th century, meaning that there is still room to buy affordable, pieces coming from old collections.
The fact remains that as a young - or not so young - beginning collector, you want to have a big and interesting collection as soon as you venture in this field. At Catawiki we have created the Young Collector auction to give the opportunity to everyone to bid on not-so-expensive objects. This auction gives you the opportunity to learn, to touch, to appreciate and to develop your understanding of the ancient pieces and most importantly: discover what you personally like.
A small collection of ancient artefacts as offered on our Archaeology & Natural History auction: A roman oil lamp, a bronze ring, a fibula, a decorative mount in bronze and a lead slingshot. In buying this you immediately own the beginning of a collection that will bring pleasure and learning to your life. This lot actually sold for as little as €55 (hammer price without costs). Our Young Collectors auction offers a really good opportunity to buy genuine pieces from old collections at a cost less then average museum copies.
Our specialised Ancient Art auction gives you the opportunity to acquire a real Ancient Greek vase or a very interesting sword from ancient times. Just imagine: someone was on a battle field with this one.
Bronze sword from Luristan. A rare type of this weapon. Bronze, ca 1000 B.C. Luristan (nord-Iran) Ex-Gehlen Collection, ex-Hermann Historica. The region of Luristan gaind a legendary reputation for casting bronze weapons during the Bronze Age. The bronze masters of Luristans produced weapons for customers in Babylon and in Assyria. Many of these customers were kings and nobles, as the engravings of their names on some daggers and swords from Luristan show.
What to look for in ancient art
First of all, do your research: most big museums in Europe and the US have superlative examples of the art of the ancients. These objects are mesmerising, especially if you begin to look closely at the details.
Don't forget that ancient art, be it Greek, Roman, Egyptian, Chinese or other, offers timeless beauty that will never go out of fashion.
Also, the quality of the piece is prime. The condition or the artistical value of an object will make it simply irresistible even as time passes by.
The most important thing to remember from this is that ancient art underlines and lives up to the expectations that its modern counterparts impose.
With these ideas, you will have a lifetime of enjoyment and you will be able to pass your works of art on as heirlooms to future generations.
A “real life” collectors coffee table somewhere in the south of France. Near to a modern ceramic bowl made by Lucien Petit (°1957) there is a composition of a large, restored, ancient Roman terra sigillata dish with an oil lamp depicting a leaping lion (both 2nd - 4th century A.D.) To hold fruits and to give an historic touch to this corner of the house.
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Feeling inspired to start your own collection of ancient art? Then start by heading over to our weekly Archaeological Finds & Remains auction to discover treasures from the past, then follow it up with a visit to our Modern Art auction to find the perfect piece to pair with your ancient art.
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