Over two decades ago, a purchase was made for an ivory-inlaid rosewood table at a cost of £6,000. But since then, new discoveries have been made revealing that it actually belonged to the Medici family collection. This was found by specialists at Sotheby’s. While it was originally just thought that the table was simply an example of Renaissance craftsmanship and dated back to the 16th century, with this additional information it gives it increased value. Indeed, once put up for auction it was expected to acquiesce a staggering £500,000, but actually was sold for a staggering £800,000. The background behind the piece was that it was commissioned between around 1596 and 1598 by the Duke of Urbino, Francesco Maria II della Rovere, maybe in recognition of his wedding. It could have been Maestro Giorgio Tedesco and Giulio Lupi who were the creators behind it.
Renaissance Art News
Sabaean Alabaster Head of a Dignitary at Phoenix Ancient Art
This piece comes from the Sabaean (South Arabian) period during the 2nd-1st century B.C. It stands 23 centimeters high and is whole with its brake at the nape of the neck.
The head is oblong and green-beige in color with no personal features displayed, consistent with South Arabian figures. The presence of inscriptions on the base and the fact that they come from necropoleis has led scholars to deduce that they were commemorative portraits that were placed close to tombs. The inscriptions refer to the name of the represented figure and to his clan.
This statue belongs to the “Middle Period” which was at the same time, approximately, as the Hellenistic Greek period.
Phoenix Ancient Art Galleries
For antique lovers around the world, few locations compare to Phoenix Ancient Art. With two galleries, one in Geneva (pictured here), and one in New York, Phoenix Ancient Art is run by antique dealers and brothers Ali Aboutaam and Hicham Aboutaam.
The antiques in their galleries represent over 7000 years of history, from the Neolithic Period of the 6th Millennium B.C. all the way through the 14th century A.D. Hicham and Ali use their knowledge and expertise to offer advice to prospective buyers and to explain many of the intricate details of the pieces that they display and sell.
New Additions at Phoenix Ancient Art
Phoenix Ancient Art, owned by brothers Hicham Aboutaam and Ali Aboutaam, is constantly updating their offerings. One of their more recent additions is the Anatolian or Syrian Idol of the Steatopygic type. From the 6th Millennium B.C. in Syrian or Anatolian culture, this idol is carved from a small stone black and represents a seated woman.
This figure represents the Mother Goddess who would have protected human fecundity, fields and herbs fertility. The figure would have been worshipped quite widely, from the near East to Western Central Europe.
As the Phoenix Ancient Art website states, “Mostly modeled of terracotta (stone examples are rare), the figures of steatopygic women probably originated from Anatolia (Catal Hüyük, Hacilar), but they were largely spread over a vast area extending from northern Syria (Tell Bouqras) to the Aegean world.”
Celtic Antiques and Ali Aboutaam
Ali Aboutaam, co-owner of Phoenix Ancient Art, is involved in many different aspects of various historical Eras of antiques. Included in these is the Celtic time frame. This is characterized by ornamental art, avoiding symmetry and straight lines, somewhat surprisingly not using nature themes, which are usually integral to the classical tradition. Classical (Celtic) antiquity focused on the Mediterranean Sea, and was crafted through Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome civilizations, a.k.a. the Greo-Roman World. What Celtic Art is very much known for however, is complex symbolism and focuses on lettering, plant forms, spirals, human figures and more. Currently on sale at Phoenix Ancient Art during this time period is a Celtic Bronze Head of a Bull and an Appliqué with Abstract Pattern.
New Discovery in Egypt
Certainly, for antique dealers like Hicham Aboutaam and Ali Aboutaam from Phoenix Ancient Art, archeological finds are always of interest. These news stories are often of interest to many regular people as well, as they reveal a fascinating history and an unusual find.
In recent news, archeologists in Egypt have unearthed 57 ancient Egyptian tombs dating back to around 2750 B.C. The find actually throws new light on Egypt’s ancient religions, according to Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities. Find out more about the recent discovery of these antiques.
Ali Aboutaam Sees Economic Recovery Growing
One important indicator of the recovery of a faltering economy is how well the arts marketplace is fairing. If this is so, then there is much to be optimistic about. Judging by the success of the 21st Annual Haughton’s International Fine Art and Antique Dealers Fair, which took place in October, 2009, an economic recovery is well underway.
One of the many participants, Phoenix Ancient Art, sold many antiquities during the weeklong fair which took place from October 16-22nd. Hicham and Ali Aboutaam, proprietors of Phoenix Ancient Art, reported that there were 6 separate bids for a Roman figurine of a female dating back to the first century, whose asking price was $800,000.
Also sold by Phoenix Ancient Art was a ceramic oinochoe-shaped vase. This head vase dated back to 450 BC and sold for $300,000. For $120,000 a lucky buyer was able to acquire an early Roman bust of unique and delicate beauty.
Housed in the Park Avenue Armory in New York, the fair caused many smiles to be seen by both sellers and buyers. “Some dealers have said they’ve seen clients they haven’t seen in two or three years,” said Anna Haughton, who reported a sea change in mood from June when dealers were “apprehensive”.
Last year’s fair also looked different than in previous years. 15 dealers were drop-outs, while there were 21 new comers to the fair. Missing were the impressionist and pointillist paintings that used to sell for astronomical sums, and in their place was more of an emphasis on the decorative arts.
Ali and Hicham Aboutaam of Phoenix Ancient Art were pleased with last year’s results and are looking forward to an even better year at the upcoming fair.
Bronze Age Gems from Phoenix Ancient Art
Ali Aboutaam, together with his brother Hicham Aboutaam, own Phoenix Ancient Art. They also sell their antiquities through the web, at e-Tiquities. Their products hail from many different eras throughout history, including the Dark Age. Currently on sale from this time period are: a Visigothic lyre-shaped belt buckle as well as three catalogues. The belt buckle is very typical of Visigothic art, which was common in the south of France and Spain, under the rule of the Visigoths. It is also a time when Byzantine and Roman cultures were influential over the art.
Phoenix Ancient Art’s Dark Age Gems
Although the Dark Ages – as its name suggests – was an era of decline, the art work sold by Phoenix Ancient from this time period is quite different. This is the case with the buckle currently on sale which boasts beautiful curls and circles as well as animal heads. It is shaped like a lyre which was the stringed instrument that was traditional in Romanic and Greek art works. These buckles were very popular amongst the Germanic tribes which dominated Europe following the end of the Roman Empire.
PHOENIX ANCIENT ART GALLERY HIGHLIGHT
Plastic Vessel in the shape of a Monkey’s head.
Apulian, 4th Century B.C.
Height: 3 5/16”
Diameter of Base: 21/16”
Monkeys did not exist in the art of Greece, but they can be found in the art of Magna Graecia, the Greek colonies on the southern coast of Italy. The image of the monkey came from Africa during the Ptolemaic period during the rule of Alexander the Great. Most plastic vessels are made in the shape of animal heads–birds, bulls, ducks, deer—or women’s heads, and such vessels as the were used to hold aromatic oils and perfumes. Here is a rare and charming example of a monkey’s head that comes from the Apulia region. This finely-detailed model is made of terracotta with a black glaze and added paint. “It is a remarkable survival and record of the virtuosity of the Greek colonies whose culture spread across the Greek world,” says Hicham Aboutaam, co-owner of Phoenix Ancient Art
$90,000
Phoenix Ancient Art and Hellenistic Period
Phoenix Art, owned by Hicham Aboutaam and Ali Aboutaam, sells antiques from many different time periods. One of these is the Hellenistic Era. Art during this time was focused on bronze and marble sculptures, as well as striking mosaics. It followed the time of Alexander the Great’s conquests but interestingly there was very little Greek cultural influence in either Asia or Europe at the time. Indeed, the time frame is often seen as one of decline, not at all similar to what precluded it (Greek Classical Era) or what followed it (Roman Empire).
Phoenix Art’s Bronze Figure of Serapis Seated on a Throne
One such piece from this area open for bidding at Phoenix Art’s online site, is a Bronze figure of Serapis seated on a throne. It is a very proud statute, depicting a man with long hair which covers his neck. The man has a strong, bold look to him, with a quite distant expression. Serapis was a Hellenistic-Egyptian god, well-known for his Serapium of Alexandria Temple.