A remarkable collection of Ancient Greek treasures, led by a stunning marble head of a goddess, is set to be auctioned in Auckland, New Zealand.
These rare historical artifacts offer a unique glimpse into the rich tapestry of the Ancient Greek world, a civilization renowned for its profound influence on art, philosophy, and drama.
The centerpiece of the auction is an Ancient Greek marble head, potentially depicting Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty. Dating from the 4th to 3rd Century BC, this exquisite piece is an incredibly rare find in this part of the world.
Robert Loosley, co-founder of Auckland-based Antiquarius, expressed his delight that New Zealanders will have the opportunity to see and acquire such a significant artifact. “A lot of people in New Zealand don’t realize these things are available to be able to be seen and bought,” he noted. Antiquarius, a company that collaborates with prestigious institutions such as the British Museum, specializes in classical antiquities and coins from the Ancient World.
What makes this Greek marble head particularly special is the preservation of its original paint on the hair. Usually, a lot of marble in Greek and Roman sculpture is plain in color, but in fact, when these items were created over two thousand years ago, they were painted quite garishly. Since then, the color has worn off over the years, and there is no longer any visible paint on the marble sculptures.
The presence of this original pigment offers a vivid connection to how these artworks would have appeared over two thousand years ago.
“This particular head has got that original paint on the hair, which is very, very good,” Loosley emphasized. While its precise history remains largely unknown, this is not uncommon for artifacts of such antiquity, which often resurface after centuries in private collections.
Other Ancient Greek masterpieces auctioned
Beyond the captivating marble head, several other extraordinary Ancient Greek artifacts are included in the auction:
2nd century BC terracotta actor’s head
This expressive terracotta head is a fragment from a theatrical figurine of the Hellenistic period (1st–2nd century BC), possibly originating from the prominent cultural hub of Smyrna in ancient Ionia. Its exaggerated features—arched brows, open mouth, and stylized expression—are characteristic of the theatrical masks used in Greek comedy or satyr plays, highlighting the central role of dramatic arts in Greek civic and religious life.
Large Attic skyphos wine cup vase
This elegant vessel, with its rounded body and opposing horizontal handles, is adorned with a black pigment scrolling design of vines and leaves. The motif is closely associated with Dionysian imagery and the profound culture of wine consumption in Ancient Greece.
The collection, which consists of sixteen items from Antiquarius, will be sold through Webb’s auction house, with the marble head alone estimated to go for between $10,000 and $15,000. These auctions represent a rare opportunity for collectors and enthusiasts to acquire genuine pieces of Ancient Greek history.
