December's Fine Interiors auction features the second part of a remarkable European private collection, fronted by three Roman marble torsos.
20 November 2024
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The Fine Interiors team are very excited to present the second part of a remarkable European private collection this December, originally comprising a tantalising mix of antiquities and modern art that reflected the sophisticated taste of its owner.
A Roman marble torso of a youth (£120,000-180,000)
At the core of the selection being offered in the present sale are three Roman marble torsos, embodying the elegance and artistic prowess of Imperial Rome. Each finely carved - two in the form of athletes and the other as Herakles - they serve as enduring symbols of classical beauty and technical skill, clearly exemplifying why such pieces have long been the archetypal meeting point between style and connoisseurship. Preceding the sale of these ancient sculptures, Sworders were very fortunate to offer a variety of pictures and sculptures from the collection, by renowned European artists such as Marc Chagall, César, Nikos Hadjikyriakos-Ghikas and George Lappas, in our Modern and Contemporary Art sale, which realised close to £100,000 in October.
A Roman marble torso of a man (£80,000-120,000)
This blend of Roman antiquities and modern masterpieces brings a unique insight into the current dynamics of the auction market. On one hand, the enduring appeal of ancient art is evident in the ongoing demand for Roman sculptures, which continue to captivate collectors with their historical significance and artistic excellence, and, on the other, the market for modern and contemporary art remains vibrant, fuelled by an ever-growing interest in the innovative and the avant-garde.
A Roman marble head of Athena (£15,000-25,000)
The antiquities in this sale sit beside a varied assemblage of antique and contemporary furnishings, including a flamboyant ‘Medusa’ dinner service by Rosenthal for Versace, Russian and Greek religious artworks, and several pieces of eye-catching 20th-century design, highlighting the diverse interest of today’s collectors, who are increasingly drawn to pieces that exude character and quality, but are not limited to one particular period and style.
fineinteriors@sworder.co.uk | 01279 817778
With the third instalment of The Paolo Moschino Edit featuring in our 16-17 September Fine Interiors auction (lots 536–572), we had the pleasure of speaking with co-owners and directors Paolo Moschino and Philip Vergeylen to discuss what inspires their distinctive aesthetic, the enduring importance of antiques, and why instinct - guided by discipline - is essential when sourcing at auction.
9 September 2025
Two remarkable Roman Imperial sculptures have starred as celebrated highlights in Sworders recent sales, and if you are considering consigning, we would love to hear from you. Combining academic rigour with market insight, Sworders’ Ancient Art and Antiquities Department is committed to excellence at every stage of the consignment journey, and the results speak for themselves.
8 September 2025
In association with The Fry Art Gallery, Sworders is delighted to be hosting an exclusive evening with acclaimed illustrator, painter, and printmaker Chloë Cheese, as she reflects on a life steeped in art and on the evolving role of women in the creative world.
4 September 2025