Freeman’s Sells Nearly $2.3M Worth of Antiquities and Ancient Art in Two Days
Across two days, the recently rebranded Freeman’s Auction sold nearly $2.3 million worth of Antiquities and Ancient Art from its Chicago saleroom on November 19 and 21.
The Gréau Goddess A Roman Bronze Statuette of Juno Circa 1st Century B.C. SOLD FOR $165,600
The two days were spurred on by two remarkable estates – the Estate of Andrew Cunningham Ware (1945-2024) and the Estate of Iris Cornelia Love (1933-2020), New York – which sent the two sales well past its $1.5 million estimate.
Iris Love with Aphrodite
Iris Cornelia Love: Indiana Jones in a Miniskirt
Archaeologist and collector Iris Cornelia Love, described by The New York Times as “Indiana Jones in a miniskirt,” led excavations at Knidos and Samothrace and was among the first women to receive Turkish excavation permits. A charismatic scholar and cultural figure, Love brought ancient art to life for new audiences.
Her collection, portions of which were on long-term loan to The Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Brooklyn Museum for over three decades, demonstrates her extraordinary connoisseurship and deep personal engagement with classical antiquity.
The highlight of the collection was a Roman marble oscillum, circa 1st century A.D., which soared past its presale estimate of $6,000 to $8,000 before selling for $35,200 (lot 197)
An Egyptian Steatite Base of a Commemorative Scarab of Amenhotep III New Kingdom, 18th Dynasty, Reign of Amenhotep III, 1380 B.C. SOLD FOR $28,160
Andrew Cunningham Ware: When Scholarly Pursuits Meet Passion
The Ware Estate began the November 19 sale and set the tone for the day, selling over 96% while besting its presale estimate by nearly $100,000.
A devoted Egyptologist and student of Christiane Desroches Noblecourt, Andrew C. Ware assembled a collection that united intellectual rigor with personal passion. His works—many held privately for decades—reflected both his academic pursuits and family legacy, offering fresh insight into Egypt’s artistic and spiritual traditions.
Bidders clearly were excited at the prospect of adding pieces with such distinguished provenance to their own collections. The top lot of the collection was the very first lot offered: an Egyptian steatite base of a commemorative scarab of Amenhotep III from the New Kingdom, 18th Dynasty, circa 1380 B.C., which sold for more than nine times its estimate achieving a price of $28,160 (lot 1). Reputedly found in Memphis, this important "lake scarab" records the building of a pleasure lake for Queen Tiy at Djaroukha.
Regality in Miniature
The biggest sale price across the two days ironically went to one of the smallest objects offered. Standing at just seven inches high, The Gréau Goddess, a Roman bronze statuette of Juno from circa 1st century B.C. (lot 91), more than doubled its presale estimate selling for $165,600. A masterful example of early Imperial eclecticism, the statuette demonstrated the remarkable fluidity with which Roman artists adapted centuries-old styles and formats, while creating aspects of movement and mood not displayed by potential prototypes. This statuette caused a sensation in late 19th-century Paris among an educated public that appreciated such nuance and has been exhibited frequently since.
Other Highlights
The auction featured a number of highlights sourced from private collection across the country.
· Lot 77 | An Over-Lifesized Roman Marble Torso Circa 2nd Century A.D. | SOLD FOR $152,900
· Lot 124 | A Roman Marble Archaistic Head of a Goddess | Circa 1st Century A.D. | SOLD FOR $121,150
· Lot 36 | An Egyptian Painted Limestone Noblewoman | Old Kingdom, 5th-6th Dynasty, 2465-2150 B.C. | SOLD FOR $102,100
· Lot 42 | An Egyptian Bronze Lion-Headed Goddess and Obelisk | Late Period, 26th-30th Dynasty, 664-343 B.C. | SOLD FOR $102,100
About Freeman’s
Freeman’s is a premier American auction house offering services in multiple categories including fine art, jewelry, design, books and manuscripts, furniture, decorative arts, antiquities, couture, and Asian works of art. With 16 regional locations nationwide, the firm provides auctions, appraisals, private sales, and art advisory services, connecting clients to the global art market. Freeman’s strives to bring art, history, and design to life by connecting people with extraordinary objects through exceptional service and expertise.