Artemis Gallery
PO Box 714, Erie, Colorado 80516
720-890-7700
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Auction Industry, Press ReleaseArtemis Fine Arts & Arte Primitivo Present Two-Day Online Antiquities, Tribal & Asian Art Auction
Fully-curated sale features Pre-Columbian, Spanish Colonial art, Native American, and fossils on Day 1, followed by Greek, Roman, Egyptian, African/Tribal and Asian art and relics on Day 2 BOULDER, Colo. – Artemis Fine Arts in association with Arte Primitivo will present an online-only auction September 15-16 featuring Pre-Columbian, Native American, and fossils on Day 1, followed by Classical and Near Eastern antiquities, Tribal, African, and Asian art on Day 2. Cast gold Saurian pectoral deity pendant (Cocle, circa 800-1425 CE), its standing anthropomorph crowned by a headdress of two stylized alligators, 4¾ inches by 4¼ inches. Estimate: $75,000-$85,000 The jointly-produced auction draws on decades of experience and expertise from both galleries. The principals remain committed to maintaining the same high standards, connoisseurship, and client service that collectors have come to expect of both of the firms. The September event marks the fourth time the two auction powerhouses have joined forces to host a major event compatibly showcasing the best of their respective consignments. Many more auction collaborations are planned for the months to come. Day 1, Tuesday, September 15, is replete with rare and stunningly beautiful Pre-Columbian objects. The selection is led by a cast gold Saurian pectoral deity pendant (Cocle, circa 800-1425 CE), its standing anthropomorph crowned by a headdress of two stylized alligators. It measures 4¾ inches by 4¼ inches and weighs 205 grams. Equally noteworthy, a large cast and hammered gold pectoral depicting a raptor spreading scythe-shaped wings beneath a crown of seven coiled spirals, 7 inches tall and weighing 214 grams. Its origin is Central America (Diquis) and it dates to circa 750-1450 CE. Each of the two items carries an individual estimate of $75,000-$85,000. A massive gray volcanic stone brazier in the form of Huehueteotl, the aged fire god, crouched beneath the weight of a circular basin he carries on his head (Teotihuacan, circa 450-650 CE), stands 18¾ inches tall on a 25½-inch mount. Previously auctioned at Christie’s (in 2013), this exceptional piece should bring $20,000-$25,000. Also, a pale marble cylindrical vessel raised on an integral pedestal, with two handles in the form of fanged…
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Auction Industry, Press ReleaseArtemis Fine Arts and Arte Primitivo team up to present their third meticulously-curated online-only auction event, June 11-12
Day 1 to showcase fine Pre-Columbian and Spanish Colonial art; Day 2 features Native American, Tribal, African, Egyptian, Greek, Roman and Near Eastern antiquities, Asian art, fine art and fossils BOULDER, Colo. – Artemis Fine Arts and Arte Primitivo will host a meticulously-curated online-only auction on June 11-12, marking the third time the two auction powerhouses have joined forces to produce an event that compatibly showcases the best of their respective consignments. In their debut joint auction held in February, strong international bidding boosted the total to nearly $1.5 million. Circa 1368-1644 CE Chinese Ming Dynasty wood and stucco head of a Buddhist guardian deity, 13¼ inches tall. Estimate: $100,000-$150,000 Day One, on Thursday, June 11, will showcase fine Pre-Columbian and Spanish Colonial art, while Day Two brings together Native American, Tribal, African, Egyptian, Greek, Roman and Near Eastern antiquities, Asian art, fine art, fossils and more. The auction is now open for bidding through Artemis Fine Arts’ dedicated online platform, as well as Arte Primitivo’s online bidding system, plus LiveAuctioneers and Invaluable and, for the first time, Drouot, the internationally-renowned Paris-based company known for its association with elite European auction houses. A potential candidate for top-lot honors in the opening session, a large and heavy museum-exhibited Diquis gold pendant, a classic depiction of a “Harpy Eagle,” was crafted circa 1200-1500 CE in Panama. Estimate: $60,000-$90,000. Like many of the items to follow, it is from the Pre-Columbian period. A beautiful gold kero, or drinking vessel (circa 750-1000 CE), having a relief decoration depicting two opposing shamanic dignitaries holding a monkey in both raised hands, has an estimate of $15,000-$22,500; while a finely-cast and realistic International-Veraguas gold pendant in the form of a grimacing shark, made circa 800-1500 CE on the Panama-Colombia border, is expected to realize $36,000-$54,000. A monumental Aztec Empire three-piece natural buff color pottery sculpture depicting the god Mictlantecuhtli, the Aztec god of death, circa 1000-1450 CE, should fetch $29,000-$43,500. Also, an Aztec Empire (Tenochtitlan, circa 1400-1533 CE) matching pair of fine black ceramic ear ornaments of floral design, each one depicting two perched birds, carries a…
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Auction Result, Press ReleaseArtemis Fine Arts And Arte Primitivo’s Debut Collaboration Was A Huge Success, With Strong International Bidding That Boosted The Total To Nearly $1.5 Million
Highlights: Pair of circa 100-300 AD Royal Moche gold and mosaic ear ornaments, $82,500; large openwork Veraguas-Diquis gold pendant, $30,550; finely-carved Chinese jade cup, $19,500 BOULDER, Colo. – An exquisite pair of Royal Moche gold and mosaic ear ornaments fashioned circa 100-300 AD soared to $82,500 in the first of many anticipated auctions to be produced jointly by Artemis Fine Arts and Arte Primitivo. The large and important ear ornaments were the top lot in a February 26-27 sale whose 900 lots totaled just shy of $1.5 million. Exquisite pair of Royal Moche ear ornaments with gold frames, circa 100-300 A.D., with colorful tessarae inlays of gold, turquoise, Chilean lapis, nephrite, jadeite and mother-of-pearl. Sold for $82,500 Artemis Fine Arts is a Colorado auction house known internationally as a premier authority in the field of ancient and ethnographic art, while Arte Primitivo is a New York City auction gallery that specializes in Pre-Columbian, African, ethnographic and ancient art. This collaboration unites decades of combined expertise from the highest echelon of the antiquities field. “Our debut auction with Arte Primitivo attracted strong international participation and achieved excellent results across a wide range of collecting categories,” said Teresa Dodge, owner and executive director of Artemis Fine Arts. “The sale demonstrated continued demand among serious collectors for exceptional works, with competitive bidding and outstanding prices realized during both sessions.” Day 1 featured 540 lots of fine Pre-Columbian, Native American, African, and Ethnographic Art. Day 2 contained 380 lots of Egyptian, Greek, Roman and Near Eastern antiquities, Asian art, fine arts and fossils. Including post-auction sales, the total sell-through rate was 82 percent. Nearly 100 new bidders registered to participate, and the sales lift achieved from running on four online-bidding platforms was 45 percent. The aforementioned Royal Moche ear ornaments were composed of gold frames inlaid with colorful tessarae of gold, turquoise, Chilean lapis (sodalite), nephrite, jadeite and mother-of-pearl. The iconography on each was of a Moche lord or noble, facing in opposite directions and clad in full ceremonial regalia, all on a custom bronze base. These beautiful examples breezed past the $50,000 high estimate to bring $82,500. Pre-Columbian…
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Auction Industry, Press ReleaseWith Decades Of Combined Experience, Artemis Fine Arts And Arte Primitivo To Co-Host Feb. 26-27 Pre-Columbian, Antiquities And Fine Art Auction Series Online
Day 1 features Pre-Columbian, Native American, African, Tribal and Ethnographic Art; Day 2 showcases Egyptian, Greek, Roman and Near Eastern antiquities, Asian art, fine art and fossils. BOULDER, Colo. – Two days of online-only auctions scheduled for February 26 and 27 will mark the first of many anticipated collaborative efforts between Artemis Fine Arts – the Colorado auction house known internationally as a premier authority in the field of Ancient and Ethnographic art – and Arte Primitivo, a New York City auctioneer that specializes in Pre-Columbian, African, Tribal, Ethnographic and ancient art. This landmark collaboration unites decades of combined expertise from the highest echelon of the antiquities realm. Day 1 features 540 lots of fine Pre-Columbian, Native American, African, Tribal and Ethnographic Art. Day 2 contains 380 lots of Egyptian, Greek, Roman and Near Eastern antiquities, Asian art, fine arts and fossils. The meticulously-curated two-day event is now open to bidding through Artemis Fine Arts’ dedicated online platform as well as Arte Primitivo’s established online bidding system. Pre-Columbian objects are led by a large, fine openwork Veraguas-Diquis gold pendant depicting a large central deity having a human body with a long openwork bird of prey hooked beak, wearing a fancy double plumed headdress. The 4-inch by 4¼-inch pendant, an impressive and beautiful example, has an estimate of $40,000-$50,000. Other lots to watch include a large and important pair of gold and mosaic ear ornaments and an Olmec pottery seated baby with elongated cranium. Premier Native American items are coveted by collectors. A rare ceramic vessel with rounded body and short neck from the Mississippian Caddo culture, dating to circa 1200-1400 CE, is sculpted in high relief with human hands and bone motifs. It has an estimate of $3,500-$5,000. Also, a circa 1912-1915 Hopi polychrome feather design bowl with a lug for hanging, made by Nampeyo or a Nampeyo family member, possibly Nampeyo’s daughter Annie, should realize $2,500-$3,500. Among the highlighted tribal objects is a Bakota “Ngulu” (or reliquary garden figure) of abstract figural form, carved of wood with a slender concave face covered with hammered brass alloy sheets in cruciform…
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Auction Industry, Press ReleaseCycladic II Greek marble idol of paramount importance leads Artemis Fine Art’s eclectic Connoisseur’s Delight antiquities auction, Nov. 6
Also featured: 15th C. Nepalese gilt copper Amogshapasa, 16th C. Tibetan gilt brass White Tara bodhisattva, Roman marble herm portrait of Apollo, Rembrandt etching, 17th C. Stuart armorial chest BOULDER, Colo. – Artemis Fine Arts, the Colorado auction house known internationally as a premier authority in the field of ancient and ethnographic art, will host a November 6 online auction featuring 284 lots of museum-level antiquities, cultural artworks and relics from many of the world’s greatest and most influential civilizations. A Certificate of Authenticity will convey to the new owner of each and every auction item. Important Early Cycladic II marble idol, Spedos Type, Keros-Syros Culture, ancient Greece, circa 1700-2300 BCE. Abstracted figure carved from fine-grained island marble with elongated neck, gently tilted head, arms folded across the chest and right arm beneath the left, a hallmark of Cycladic sculpture conventions. Similar in style to a female Late Spedos Type figure at Getty Museum. Size: 9.75in high (10.35in inclusive of stand) x 2.4in wide. Accompanied by Art Loss Register Report; CIRAM Scientific report (no. 0717-OA-52N-8) and analysis performed by Dr. Olivier Bobin, New York, September 25, 2017. Provenance: Dr. Charles Alexander Best, a Member of the Canadian Parliament; Sotheby’s London. Estimate: $450,000-$600,000 An eclectic, high-end sale known as “Connoisseur’s Delight,” the event is led by a highly important Early Cycladic II Spedos Type marble idol of the ancient Greek Keros-Syros Culture, circa 1700-2300 BCE. The distinctive abstracted figure was carved from fine-grained island marble and is beautifully proportioned with an elongated neck and arms folded across the chest with the right arm beneath the left, a hallmark of Cycladic sculpture conventions. The surface shows weathering and granular texture typical of long-term burial or exposure, yet the contours remain crisp and balanced. It is similar in style to a female Late Spedos Type figure in the Getty Museum’s collection. It is mounted on a modern museum display base and stands 10.35 inches high (inclusive of stand) by 2.4 inches wide. It is accompanied by a CIRAM Scientific Report (No. 0717-OA-52N-8) and analysis performed by Dr Olivier Bobin, New York, dated September…
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Auction Result, Press ReleaseArtemis Fine Arts reels in hefty $393K at auction featuring antiquities and tribal treasures from Santa Fe’s esteemed Ralph T. Coe Center
Proceeds from the 380 lots consigned by the Coe will benefit the nonprofit’s Rehoming Program for cultural art repatriation 1820s Austral Islands (Raivavae) Relief-Carved Paddle, Early-Contact Form BOULDER, Colo. – On August 22, Artemis Fine Arts conducted an online-only auction anchored by cultural art and antiquities from the nonprofit Ralph T Coe Center for the Arts in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The 380-lot sale was 81.2% sold and chalked up $393,000, inclusive of buyer’s premium. The Coe Center, which is closing later this year, will use auction proceeds to bolster their Rehoming Program. Their unique repatriation initiative focuses on returning Indigenous artworks to their original communities or to institutions that prioritize cultural context, accessibility and continued care. Bidding was as global in nature as the extraordinary pieces being auctioned. “The Coe Center’s collection is known throughout the world for its historically-significant artworks and tribal artifacts from North and Central America, Africa, Asia, New Zealand and other Pacific Island nations,” said Teresa Dodge, executive director of Artemis Fine Art. “Bidders were eager to acquire items that came directly from the Coe’s impeccably-documented collection.” Many of the top lots achieved prices well beyond their auction estimates, especially prized tribal relics of Australasia and the South Pacific. A circa 1820-1840 CE Austral Islands (Ra’ivavae) relief-carved ceremonial paddle with an early-contact form led that group. The paddle was meticulously incised in relief with geometric motifs, including diamond grids, zigzag panels, concentric wave bands, and a procession of stylized human heads, possibly representing ancestral figures or spirit guardians. Described in the auction catalog as having “remarkable consistency and rhythm” in its design and execution, the 42.6-inch-long artwork sold for $18,000, more than seven times the high estimate. A 19th century Papua New Guinea Trobriand Islands Massim culture painted wood vayola (battle shield) was distinctively decorated with abstract motifs in red and black paint. Vayola shields were deliberately designed to capture the enemy's attention in battle and signal the presence of the strongest and most courageous warriors on the battlefield. The auction example sold for $15,250 against an estimate of $3,000-$4,500. From Northwest Arnhem Land (Australia,…
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Auction Industry, Press ReleaseArtemis Fine Arts’ August 22 auction features global Indigenous art treasures from collection of Santa Fe’s distinguished Ralph T. Coe Center
Native American, Pre-Columbian, African, Asian and Pacific Island rarities include iconic statuary, tribal weapons, masks and headwear; cultural relics, textiles, jewelry and beadwork Indonesian Nias Wood Ancestor Figure, Ex Christie's BOULDER, Colo. – On August 22, Artemis Fine Arts will conduct an online-only auction of rare and exceptional cultural art and antiquities from the collection of the nonprofit Ralph T Coe Center in Santa Fe, New Mexico. All proceeds from the 380-lot sale will benefit the Coe Center’s Rehoming Program, a bold and thoughtful initiative focused on returning Indigenous artworks to their original communities or to institutions that prioritize cultural context, accessibility, and continued care. “The Rehoming Program is at the heart of the Coe Center’s final chapter, as they will be closing later this year,” said Artemis Fine Arts’ executive director, Teresa Dodge. “Honoring the legacy of the Coe’s founder, Ralph T Coe (1929-1910), the Rehoming Program respectfully fulfills the Center’s core mission of good stewardship by ensuring each meaningful piece in their collection is not only preserved, but also responsibly reconnected with the people, places and stories from which they came.” The Coe’s collection is global in breadth, with historically-significant artworks and tribal artifacts from North and Central America, Africa, Asia, New Zealand and other Pacific Island nations. All items in the auction are legal to buy or resell under the US Statute covering cultural patrimony, Code 2600, Chapter 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or the buyer’s money will be refunded. A Certificate of Authenticity will convey to the winning bidder of each and every item. Several important relics from the Maori culture of New Zealand are among the top lots to be auctioned, starting with a rare 19th century CE tamere, or ceremonial axe. Its wooden haft is elaborately carved with traditional rauponga patterns of parallel ridges and notches symbolic of lineage, mana (authority) and ancestral connection. The lower terminal is notable for its openwork carving of stylized manaia or abstract kaitiaki (guardian) figures. Measuring 17 inches long, this impressive example of South Pacific artistry is estimated at $4,000-$8,000. A gorgeous circa 20th century…
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Auction Industry, Press ReleaseArtemis’ June 27 Exceptional Ancient, Ethnographic & Fine Art Auction offers 329 expertly curated treasures from history’s most important cultures
Featured: Circa 6th-5th century BCE Greek Corinthian helmet, huge Roman mosaic panel depicting leaping hound, Khmer stele of reclining Ganesh, Revolutionary War officer’s sword, Picasso pottery Important and Rare Greek Corinthian Helmet BOULDER, Colo. – Artemis Fine Arts, the Colorado auction house known internationally as a premier authority in the field of ancient and ethnographic art, will host a June 27 online auction featuring 329 lots of antiquities, cultural artworks and relics from many of the world’s greatest and most influential civilizations. The beautifully curated selection includes Egyptian, Greek and Roman and Etruscan artifacts; Near Eastern and Asian pieces, and superior examples of African, Oceanic, Native American, Pre-Columbian and Spanish colonial art. The contemporary visual art category is led by coveted Picasso pottery, a Lynn Heitler abstract painting, and three artworks by an African-American master of the self-taught realm, Jimmy Lee Sudduth. The auction’s timeline begins in Ancient Egypt, with a fascinating array that includes a wood ushabti of Lady Anhai, Chantress of Amun; a Late Dynastic wood mummy mask with chinstraps, and a stunning trio of 22K+ gold bracelets from the Ptolemaic period (circa 3rd-1st century BCE). Crafted from thick, twisted gold wire and terminating in elaborately-modeled lions’ heads, these sophisticated bracelets are published in The Royal Gold of Ancient Egypt (Müller and Thiem, 1999) and are group-estimated at $40,000-$80,000. Also, an outstanding Egyptian bas-relief stone panel with two female figures shown in profile dates from the New Kingdom, 18th Dynasty, reign of Amenhotep I, circa 1525-1506 BCE. Finely carved from pink limestone, it bears the hieroglyphic inscription Nes-Noub, perhaps referencing a divinity or royal authority. Estimate: $10,000-$15,000 A wonderful Greek marble sculpture of an eagle – a sacred symbol of Zeus – is from the Hellenistic to Early Roman Period, circa 2nd century BCE to 1st century CE. Portrayed in a vigilant stance, the bird’s wings are folded neatly at its sides and its head is raised in solemn authority. Its stylized plumage has been meticulously carved in layers, with incised detail work across the chest, wings and back. The 24-inch-tall avian stands atop its original plinth, which…
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Auction Industry, Press ReleaseArtemis Gallery curates Nov. 16 Exceptional Ancient, Ethnographic & Fine Art Auction brimming with connoisseur-level selections
Many auction entries boast impeccable provenance from prestigious collections and are either book examples, have been museum-exhibited, or both BOULDER, Colo. – Artemis Gallery, the Colorado auction house known to many collectors as the premier authority in the field of ancient and ethnographic art, will host a very special boutique event on November 16. The beautifully curated online auction features 250 museum-worthy examples that traverse the categories of classical antiquities, Viking, Far East/Asian, Pre-Columbian, African/tribal/Oceanic, Native American and Spanish Colonial artworks and relics. Additional specialty categories include rare fossils, ancient jewelry, and visual fine art. Translated Egyptian polychrome wood stele for Hetpamun with hieroglyphic inscription and colorful vignettes that include deities, a falcon-headed R-Horakhty and Atum and worshipping women showing devotion to the two gods. Crested by a winged sun disk. Late Dynastic Period, 23rd-26th dynasty, circa 712-525 BCE. Size: 13.25in x 9.75in. Long and distinguished line of US and British provenance. Published in 1890 as part of Sabatier collection sold via Drouot, Paris. Estimate: $80,000-$120,000 An unrivaled selection of Ancient Egyptian art is led by a translated polychrome wood stele for Hetpamun with a hieroglyphic inscription and colorful vignettes that include deities, a falcon-headed R-Horakhty and Atum, and women in white worshipping the two gods. From the Late Dynastic Period, 23rd-26th dynasty, circa 712-525 BCE, this fabulous treasure has a long and distinguished line of US and British provenance that goes back to the 1890 sale of the Sabatier collection via Drouot in Paris. It is estimated at $80,000-$120,000. What a diva! An Egyptian bronze cat with original gold earrings makes its leap from the Late Dynastic Period, Dynasty 26, circa 664-535 BCE. An XRF analysis (the report conveys to the winning bidder) indicates the elegant feline’s leaded-copper composition is consistent with bronzes of the stated time period. Formerly in the collection of Dr W Benson Harer, the piece was exhibited from 2007 through 2023 at California State University’s Fullerton Museum of Art. Estimate: $15,000-$25,000 A multitude of history and culture is seen in a Sicily, Syracuse silver decadrachm/decadrachm from the Time of Dionysios I, circa 405-370 BC. It…
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Auction Industry, Press ReleaseBid with confidence in Artemis Gallery’s June 29 Exceptional Antiquities, Ethnographic and Fine Art Auction featuring museum-quality pieces
Special Highlight: Ancient Egyptian antiquities from the highly important collection of physician and renowned Egyptology scholar Dr. W. Benson Harer Jr. of Los Angeles BOULDER, Colo. – Internationally known and frequently called upon for expert consultation, Artemis Gallery has auctioned some of the world’s finest collections of ancient, cultural and ethnographic art. Each of their auction events is expertly curated, with careful thought given to including historical treasures to please both the connoisseur and motivated new collector. Artemis Gallery’s Thursday, June 29 lineup features a stellar array of objects with deep provenance – some whose trail of ownership can traced back as far as the turn of the 20th century. Ancient Egyptian sandstone panel with three fragmentary columns of inscribed hieroglyphs and a left-facing female figure, perhaps a goddess consort. Late Third Intermediate or Ptolemaic Period, circa 760-30 BCE. Height: 20.5in. Exhibited at LA County Museum of Art; Arizona Museum of Art; and the Robert and Frances Fullerton Museum of Art, California State University, San Bernardino, California. Published in important 1992 reference written by Dr. Gerry D. Scott III. Provenance: Collection of Dr. W. Benson Harer Jr. Estimate $45,000-$67,500 The sale totaling 330+ lots boasts many items that have been museum-exhibited and/or published in important reference books. They are led by highly important Ancient Egyptian antiquities from the collection of Dr. W. Benson Harer Jr., of Los Angeles, a distinguished medical doctor and renowned scholar in the field of Egyptology. Dr. Harer’s collection of top-tier Egyptian art and artifacts is the largest of its type west of the Mississippi River and has served as the centerpiece for many educational programs at California State University, San Bernardino. Among the many great prizes in the Harer collection is an Ancient Egyptian sandstone panel with three fragmentary columns inscribed with hieroglyphs and a left-facing female figure, perhaps a goddess consort. It dates to the Late Third Intermediate or Ptolemaic Period, circa 760-30 BCE, and stands 20.5 inches high. The panel is well known in antiquities circles, having been exhibited from 1986 to 1991 at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, in 1993…
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Auction Industry, Press ReleaseArtemis Gallery announces special Oct. 20 auction featuring Marc Amiguet Schmitt Pre-Columbian and Hispanic cultural art collection
After inheriting his Guatemalan grandfather’s collection of Central American artifacts, Schmitt launched a career in antiquities and founded Amiguet’s Ancient Art BOULDER, Colo. – On Thursday, October 20, Artemis Gallery will conduct a very special auction featuring the cultural art collection of Marc Amiguet Schmitt, a respected lifelong antiquities dealer and owner of Amiguet’s Ancient Art. While Marc only lived to age 49, his impact was great, especially in Pre-Columbian art circles. Chinese Ming to Qing Dynasty stone panel of guardian fu lion or ‘foo dog’ hand-carved in low relief against a scalloped panel, circa 17th to early 19th century CE, 16in long x 11¾in high. Provenance: Marc Amiguet Schmitt estate, Amiguet’s Ancient Art. Estimate $3,600-$5,400 “Since the 1990s, Marc Schmitt was the owner of Amiguet’s Ancient Art, a name that is immediately recognizable in the field of Pre-Columbian art,” said Bob Dodge, executive director of Artemis Gallery. “Marc's appreciation of both Pre-Columbian and Spanish colonial cultures came from his grandfather, Louis Amiguet, who emigrated to the United States from Guatemala sometime before 1950. Many of Marc's most cherished treasures were objects that his grandfather passed down to him even before Marc began his career as an antiquarian.’ “Sadly, Marc passed away in January from natural causes. He left an incredible array of cultural objects from all over the world, but most especially, exceptional examples of Pre-Columbian art from Central America, South America and Mexico. It is with a sense of great pride, as well as a profound sense of sadness, that we offer on October 20th part one of these treasured objects from Marc's personal collection.” Among the top Pre-Columbian items in the Schmitt collection is the auction opener: a 16-inch Pre-Columbian Olmec (southern Mexico to Guatemala) stone seated figure holding an offering bowl. Created circa 1200-800 BCE and carved from a single piece of volcanic basalt, the kneeling figure exhibits signature Olmec characteristics such as a jowly face, downturned “jaguar” mouth, a square jaw, broad nose, and puffy, slanted eyes. Its auction estimate is $6,000-$9,000. Also from the Olmec culture, a huge 9.125-inch-long carved andesite drug spoon reflects how…
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Auction Industry, Press ReleaseArtemis Gallery to auction exceptional antiquities, ethnographic and fine art, July 14
Featured: Qi Baishi 145-inch hand-painted marine-life scroll, Ottoman gilded iron chainmail helmet, Viking silver necklace with 38 fish pendants, Picasso pottery, Palmyran limestone head BOULDER, Colo. – On Thursday, July 14, Artemis Gallery will present its highly anticipated Exceptional Antiquities, Ethnographic and Fine Art Auction, with absentee and online bidding through LiveAuctioneers. The 357-lot selection features museum-worthy examples of classical antiquities (Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Near Eastern), Viking, Far East/Asian, Pre-Columbian, African/Tribal, Oceanic, Native American, and Spanish Colonial treasures. Additionally, Artemis will offer a wonderful assortment of fossils for natural history fans, exquisite examples of wearable ancient jewelry, and an exciting array of fine and decorative artworks. The latter category is highlighted by coveted examples of Picasso pottery from the collection of Nancy and Dr R F Simpson of Los Angeles. As we trace the evolution of cultures and societies through auction highlights, the journey begins in Ancient Egypt. Objects of special note include a Predynastic (circa 3500-3200 BCE) red breccia-stone jar, $6,000-$9,000; a Late Dynastic (circa 712-30 BCE) painted wood companion statue in mummiform position, $5,000-$7,500; and a very special Ptolemaic period (circa 332-30 BCE) cartonnage or mummy mask created for a male child. Artfully painted and detailed, it draws comparison to an example held in The British Museum’s collection. Estimate: $9,000-$13,000 Ancient Greek pottery has been admired for its design and decoration for many centuries. The July 14 auction include such exemplary pieces as a mid-5th-century BCE Greek Attic red-figure skyphos (drinking cup) painted with a charming owl motif. Its estimate is $4,500-$6,500. A 4th century BCE Greek Apulian red-figure pottery oinochoe with a trefoil pouring spout displays a scene that appears to include Aphrodite (Roman Venus) with another draped and elaborately coifed woman, and a nude, winged Eros, who holds a mirror in which Aphrodite can admire herself. The 9.25-inch-high wine jug, whose ownership can be traced to the 1970s, is estimated at $8,000-$12,000. The auction features many forms of Ancient Roman artistry, including an exhibited circa-1st century CE bronze oil lamp cast in the form of a lion, $10,000-$15,000; a rare Imperial Period iron sella castrensis, or…
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Auction Industry, Press ReleaseArtemis Gallery announces May 19 boutique auction of expertly curated antiquities, ethnographica and fine art
Featured: Hollywood Hills collection of Picasso pottery & artist-signed Rookwood vases BOULDER, Colo. – On Thursday, May 19, Artemis Gallery will auction a very special collection of fine art from the Hollywood Hills that includes coveted Picasso and Rookwood ceramics. This lively private collection is a featured highlight of the company’s 153-lot auction event composed primarily of classical antiquities, ancient, and ethnographic art from many of the world’s most influential and celebrated cultures. Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Etruscan, Near Eastern, Asian, Pre-Columbian, Native American, African/tribal, Oceanic and Spanish Colonial-era civilizations are represented. All auction items are guaranteed to be authentic, legally acquired and legal to resell, if desired. Bid absentee or live via the Internet through LiveAuctioneers. Pablo Picasso, (Spanish, 1881-1973), Picador, painted earthenware bowl, 1955, from an edition of 500. Marked ‘EDITION PICASSO / MADOURA’ on base. Size: 4.8in diameter, 2.5in high. Estimate $2,500-$3,500 Ancient Egyptian art reflects the mystery of the dynasties who ruled the Nile region, including their spiritual beliefs and funereal practices. It is especially fascinating to collectors when an object sheds light on the early Egyptians’ way of life. A prime example is the low-relief carved and polychrome-painted limestone panel that opens the May 19 sale. Dating to the 11th to 13th Dynasty, circa 2130-1649 BCE, it depicts a male laborer or agricultural worker garbed in a shendyt kilt and carrying a pole over his shoulder. He is pictured as hairless, with distinctive features visible in profile. “Relief artworks of this type often served to illustrate part of a greater story about a journey through, or encounter with deities, in the afterlife,” said Teresa Dodge, executive director of Artemis Gallery. The panel entered in the auction has been assigned an $18,000-$27,000 estimate. A lovely array of Ancient Greek art will cross the auction block, including bronzes and a variety of decorative pottery vessels. Dating to circa 520 BCE, a graceful Athens black-figure amphora stands 17.75 inches high, with distinctive imagery on both sides. Side A depicts Dionysos, god of wine and revelry, holding a drinking horn and flanked by a pair of dancing maenads. Side B…
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Auction PreviewRare Ethnographic Antiquities Come to Auction With Artemis Gallery
A Romano-Egyptian cartonnage mummy mask (circa 2nd century CE) is a key highlight of the upcoming Exceptional Antiquities Ethnographic Fine Art auction from Artemis Gallery. In ancient Egypt, funerary masks and cases were made of cartonnage material. Linen or papyrus scraps stuck together with resin or plaster was used for mummification. Made of gesso-lined linen cartonnage, this “Egyptian Group” mask depicts the face of a young woman. It portrays tranquil features such as almond-shaped eyes with thick lashes, full lips, and the head extending out and downwards. Another lot of interest is a rare fossilized Green River, Wyoming formation (circa 53.5 to 48.5 million years ago). The striking sandstone matrix comprises a fossilized stingray and three fish. The sea creatures died in an aesthetic manner, leading to a spectacular formation above a palm frond. Resembling an aquarium, the prehistoric spectacle offers a stunning view of primeval times. A ceramic cylinder vessel from 550 to 900 CE also leads the listings. The pre-Columbian Maya vessel is adorned with rich macabre motifs and skeletal depictions of God A and Chak in animal form. Such vessels were gifted for drinking cocoa. To view the complete catalog and register to bid online, visit LiveAuctioneers.
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Auction Industry, Press ReleaseArtemis Gallery to host March 24 Exceptional Auction featuring museum-quality antiquities, Asian, ethnographic, fine and visual art
Featured: Ancient Egyptian boat model discovered near Luxor, Ancient Greek pottery, exquisite Imperial Roman marbles, rare Pre-Columbian art, Asian sculptures, fossils BOULDER, Colo. – Discerning collectors of cultural art always look forward to Artemis Gallery’s auctions produced under the “Exceptional Antiquities” banner. That particular series of sales represents the finest ancient, ethnographic and fine art consignments entrusted to the renowned Artemis team for expert vetting, marketing and sale. The next Exceptional Auction is slated for Thursday, March 24, and as always, each item will convey to its new owner with an Artemis Gallery Certificate of Authenticity. Fossilized female stingray and three fish atop a palm frond, from Green River Formation (Wyoming), Eocene Period, circa 53.5 to 48.5 million years ago. Size: 31in long by 31¼in high. Provenance: private Berthoud, Colorado collection. Estimate $24,000-$36,000 With more than 400 museum-worthy pieces, this auction presents a visual history of the world’s greatest civilizations. There are classical antiquities (Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Near Eastern), as well as Viking, Far East/Asian, Pre-Columbian, African/tribal/Oceanic, Native American and Spanish Colonial relics. In addition, the sale includes gorgeous ancient jewelry, fossils of astonishing quality, and many other items from the greater realm of visual arts. Backed by Artemis Gallery’s due diligence and expertise, each item comes to auction with the assurance that it was legally acquired and, if desired, can be legally resold. The mysteries of Ancient Egypt will come to life in the form of a large cedar sarcophagus panel with painted images of the jackal-headed god Anubis and the goddess of the sky, Nut, $20,000-$30,000; a deeply pedigreed (ex Alan Dershowitz/Carolyn Cohen collection; Christie’s, 1996) Romano-Egyptian cartonnage mummy mask, $30,000-$45,000); and a remarkable 19-inch-long Pre-Dynastic (Naqada II to Naqada III, circa 3500-3000 BCE) terracotta canoe-form boat model. Measuring 19 inches long and with a pinched keel, this distinctive piece was published in the 1909 reference The Light of Egypt, by Robert de Rustafjaell, who found the relic at Gebelein, 17 miles from Luxor. With a record of previous sale at Sotheby’s London, January 20-24, 1913, it comes to auction with an estimate of $40,000-$50,000. Pottery is dominant…
