Unearthing the Past: The Robert H. Baer Archaeology Collection Comes to Auction

On October 12, 2025, collectors, historians, and art enthusiasts will have the rare opportunity to acquire objects that bridge the worlds of art and archaeology. Presented by Whitley’s Auctioneers and Lion and Unicorn, The Robert H. Baer Archaeology Collection brings to market an extraordinary selection of artifacts and artworks that span centuries, civilizations, and artistic traditions. The live auction will be hosted through Bidsquare, inviting bidders to explore the past through the discerning eye of a true scholar and collector.

A Life Devoted to Discovery
Dr. Robert H. Baer (1941–2021) was a lifelong student of history and archaeology whose curiosity about the ancient world evolved into a decades-long pursuit of discovery. His collection, carefully assembled over a lifetime, reflects an academic’s fascination with material culture and an aesthete’s appreciation for form and craftsmanship. Baer’s interests were as broad as they were deep, ranging from Southeast Asian bronze weaponry to European fine art. Each object in the sale represents a piece of his intellectual journey and his dedication to preserving cultural heritage.

Auction Highlights:

19th-Century Southeast Asian Bronze Lantaka Cannon (Lot 194)
A beautifully cast 19th-century bronze lantaka cannon stands as one of the collection’s most striking pieces. Originating from Southeast Asia, lantakas were mounted on trading vessels as both defensive weapons and emblems of prestige. This example showcases exquisite craftsmanship and bears a distinguished provenance; a testament to Baer’s discerning eye for objects that embody both artistry and historical context.

Estimate: $25,000 - $30,000

Pair of 19th-Century French Military Bronze Signal Cannons (Lot 196)
This pair of 19th-century French bronze signal cannons reflects the technical innovation and elegance of European military design. Crafted with precision and balance, these ceremonial cannons were used to mark important moments or communicate across distances on the battlefield. Their intricate details and patinated bronze surfaces capture the intersection of art, engineering, and history that so fascinated Dr. Baer.

Estimate: $20,000 - $25,000

Jan Muller (after Adriaen de Vries), Original Mannerist Ink Wash Drawing (Lot 51)
A dynamic ink wash drawing by Jan Muller, after Adriaen de Vries, brings to life the fluid movement and anatomical precision characteristic of Northern Mannerism. This work reflects Baer’s appreciation for European art history and his understanding of how stylistic expression evolves across time and geography.

Estimate: $6,000 - $10,000

E.J. Lambert, South Aisle of St. Paul’s Cathedral (Lot 23)
E.J. Lambert’s oil on panel, South Aisle of St. Paul’s Cathedral, offers a quiet study in light, architecture, and reverence. Capturing the grandeur of one of London’s most celebrated landmarks, Lambert’s composition speaks to the enduring dialogue between art and architecture; a theme that clearly resonated with Dr. Baer.

Estimate: $3,000 - $5,000

Jean-Louis Ernest Meissonier, Secret Lovers
Known for his meticulously detailed depictions of 19th-century French life, Jean-Louis Ernest Meissonier’s Secret Lovers is a tender watercolor on board that captures a private moment with emotional nuance. This intimate work reveals Baer’s wide-ranging taste and his appreciation for both the monumental and the personal in art.

Estimate: $3,000 - $5,000

A Collector’s Legacy
Together, these works form a portrait of a man whose collecting was guided by scholarship, curiosity, and an enduring love of history. The Robert H. Baer Archaeology Collection is more than a sale; it is a tribute to a collector who saw art and archaeology as two sides of the same human story.
The live auction will take place on October 12, 2025, at 11:00 AM CDT, presented by Whitley’s Auctioneers and Lion and Unicorn.
Explore the full catalog and register to bid on Bidsquare.com.