Chicago – Hindman announces its inaugural Antiquities & Islamic Art auction on June 16, offering novice and experienced collectors the rare opportunity to acquire carefully vetted objects outside of the New York or London market from some of the world’s earliest civilizations. While Hindman regularly offers a limited number of works of art from this category, it is the firm’s first auction dedicated exclusively to ancient art. The sale comprises more than 250 lots of Greek pottery, Egyptian objects, glass, bronze and marble sculpture from Rome and other cultures of the Mediterranean world. Arts of the Islamic world followed by Pre-Columbian Central and South America will be included in the latter portion of the auction.

“Ancient art speaks to everyone,” says Corbin Horn of Hindman, “whether your interior style is modern or traditional. Leading interior designers love to incorporate an ancient object or two in their work, while knowledgeable collectors appreciate having another source for quality works without traveling to the London or New York markets. A connoisseur might visit the world’s top international art fairs to buy top highlights, but Hindman’s auctions allow them to round out their collection with entry-level to mid-range objects that complement their marquee works. It is also a terrific opportunity for someone who is just discovering their interest in ancient art.”

The fascinating collection of the late George R. Francoeur and Gerald Earles forms the core of the auction. Francoeur and Earles were partners in life and business for 42 years, and they traveled extensively throughout the United States, Europe, and Asia. Inspired by their travels, they developed diverse interests collecting everything from modern art and design to old master prints and works by Jasper Johns, Robert Rauschenberg, Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol and many others. Francoeur and Earles were long-time supporters of the arts in their native Detroit, and objects from their collection can now be found in the Detroit Institute of Arts and the Cranbrook Academy of Art.

Items from the Francoeur Trust include Attic and Apulian pottery, bronze and marble sculpture, and more from Greek, Roman, Egyptian, Near Eastern and other cultures. Among the many highlights of the auction is a Greek hydria (water vessel) from the late 6th century B.C. painted with Herakles mounting his chariot while Athena, Apollo, Dionysos and Hermes look on. The vessel has a presale auction estimate of $15,000 – 20,000.

From another collection, a marvelous Roman basalt sculpture preserves just the lower part of a male torso, depicting idealized musculature and voluminous buttocks in ultra-realistic form. It is estimated at $20,000 – 30,000.

Other notable collections contributing to the auction include Jane Davis Doggett, Hobe Sound, Florida; Mary & Bruce Goodman, Highland Park, Illinois; Billie Ross, Chicago, Illinois; Julia Reich, East Orange, New Jersey; and the Detroit Institute of Arts.

The auction will be held on June 16 from Hindman’s Chicago saleroom at 10:00 am CT.  Bidders are encouraged to bid remotely by phone, by using online bidding platforms, or to register for absentee bids on Hindman’s website HindmanAuctions.com.  Preview will be available by appointment only. The catalogue can be viewed here.