A Journey Through History, Art, and Antiquity at Historic Antiquities: The Museum Collection

Collectors and history enthusiasts will have the opportunity to explore centuries of artistic and cultural achievement when Historic Antiquities: The Museum Collection goes live on June 18, 2026, at 1:00 PM CDT. Presented by Lion and Unicorn, the 370-lot sale brings together an eclectic mix of antiquities, fine art, photography references, exhibition catalogs, and scholarly material tied to notable artists and institutions. The auction offers a museum-inspired experience, blending decorative arts and historical objects with research-driven provenance and documentation.

While the catalog includes a strong concentration of photography and art reference material connected to names like Angelo Comolli, Eliot Elisofon, Edward Hopper, and Hank Virgona, several standout objects capture the spirit of the sale through craftsmanship, rarity, and cultural significance. From Iberian jewelry and Pre-Columbian artifacts to modernist painting and Asian sculpture, the auction creates a dialogue across centuries and continents.

Late 17th C. Antique Comtesse de Comminges Iberian Silver Cross Brooch with Emeralds and Sapphires

One of the most remarkable highlights in the sale is Lot 7, a late 17th-century Iberian silver cross brooch once owned by Comtesse de Comminges. Estimated at $5,000–$8,000, the jewel immediately commands attention through both its historical provenance and intricate craftsmanship. The brooch is constructed in silver and adorned with emeralds, sapphires, rose-cut diamonds, red spinels, and natural baroque pearls. Its elaborate cross form features lobed arms terminating in scrolling foliate details, demonstrating the ornate aesthetic associated with Iberian jewelry of the Baroque period.

What makes the piece especially compelling is the sense of continuity it carries. Jewelry from this era often functioned not only as adornment, but also as a symbol of devotion, wealth, and social standing. The dual-function design, allowing the piece to be worn as both a pendant and brooch, reflects the versatility prized in aristocratic collections. With its rich gemstones and noble provenance, the brooch feels less like a decorative object and more like a surviving fragment of European court history.

Antique Asian Buddha Carved Stone Sculpture

Lot 24 presents an impressive antique carved stone Buddha estimated at $2,000–$5,000. The sculpture depicts the Buddha seated in meditation with crossed legs and hands resting in dhyana mudra, a posture associated with concentration and spiritual balance. Traces of original red and white pigment remain visible across the figure, hinting at the vibrant polychrome decoration that once covered the work.

The serene facial expression, elongated earlobes, and traditional ushnisha topknot embody the visual language associated with Buddhist devotional sculpture across Asia. Age-related wear and visible restorations only deepen the object’s presence, reminding viewers of the centuries it has endured. Rather than diminishing the sculpture, these imperfections contribute to its authenticity and emotional resonance. The piece comes from the Dr. Robert H. Baer Collection, further enhancing its scholarly and collecting appeal.

Pablo Agudelo (Colombian, 20th Century), Mensaje, Mid-Century Abstract Oil on Overlaid Canvases

Moving from antiquity into the modern era, Lot 30 introduces a dramatically different energy through Pablo Agudelo’s Mensaje. Estimated at $3,000–$5,000, the large-scale abstract painting reflects the experimental spirit of mid-century Latin American modernism. Executed in oil on layered canvases, the composition combines geometric forms, thick impasto, and moody tonal contrasts in charcoal, gray, blue, and ochre.

The work carries significant historical importance beyond its visual impact. According to the catalog description, Mensajewas included in the landmark 1964 exhibition Three Colombian Artists at the University of Texas University Art Museum, where it appeared alongside works by Fernando Botero and David Manzur. This connection places the painting within a pivotal moment when Latin American modernist artists were gaining increased visibility in the United States. The surviving exhibition labels on the verso provide an added layer of provenance, reinforcing the work’s institutional history and cultural relevance.

Pre-Columbian Chancay Terracotta Cuchimilco Figure of a Woman

Another fascinating highlight is Lot 26, a Pre-Columbian Chancay terracotta Cuchimilco figure of a woman, estimated at $800–$1,200. Dating from approximately 1000 to 1470 AD, the figure originates from the Chancay culture of Peru’s central coast. Characterized by its wide flattened head, outstretched arms, and stylized geometric decoration, the sculpture exemplifies the distinctive visual traditions of Chancay ceramic production.

Cuchimilco figures were traditionally placed in burials as guardians for the deceased, giving the object both ceremonial and spiritual significance. The surviving pigments, including striking red slip over one eye, help preserve the expressive personality of the figure centuries after its creation. Fire-cloud markings from the original pit-firing process remain visible on the reverse, offering collectors an intimate connection to ancient craftsmanship and ritual practices.

What makes Historic Antiquities: The Museum Collection particularly engaging is the way it bridges categories that are often separated in traditional auctions. Ancient artifacts appear alongside modernist paintings, scholarly publications, and decorative arts, encouraging collectors to think about art history as a continuous conversation rather than isolated periods. The sale feels intentionally curated, emphasizing provenance, exhibition history, and cultural context over simple aesthetic appeal.

For seasoned collectors and curious newcomers alike, the auction offers the thrill of discovery. Whether drawn to the jeweled splendor of Iberian craftsmanship, the meditative stillness of Buddhist sculpture, the bold experimentation of Latin American abstraction, or the enduring mystery of Pre-Columbian ritual objects, bidders will find opportunities to connect with works that carry stories far beyond their physical form.

Historic Antiquities: The Museum Collection reminds us that collecting is ultimately about preserving fragments of human creativity and history. Each object in the sale reflects a different moment in time, yet together they create a compelling portrait of artistic expression across cultures and centuries.

View the full collection and register to bid on Bidsquare.com.