BOULDER, COLO.- Artemis Fine Arts will open its latest international auction on December 19, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. (GMT–6), offering collectors a richly diverse selection of
antiquities, ethnographic works, and fine art. Taking place from Boulder, Colorado, the sale brings together objects spanning thousands of years and multiple continents, reflecting Artemis Fine Arts’ long-standing focus on culturally significant and responsibly sourced material.
The auction assembles an ambitious cross-section of Asian art, Pre-Columbian works, Native American, African, Tribal, and Oceanic objects, alongside rare artifacts from ancient Egypt, Greece, Italy, and the Near East. Fossils and visual art round out the offering, making the sale accessible to both seasoned collectors and newcomers looking to build or deepen their collections.
Roman Bronze Oil Lamp w/ Deity on Lion-Footed Stand. Estimate $12,000-$18,000
Among the standout highlights is an exceptional Roman bronze oil lamp dating to the Imperial period (1st–4th century CE), estimated at $12,000–$18,000. Mounted on a lion-footed stand and crowned with an elaborate handle of acanthus leaves framing a youthful deity—possibly Mercury, Apollo, or Bacchus—the lamp exemplifies the luxury objects owned by elite Roman households. Bronze oil lamps are considerably rarer than their terracotta counterparts, and this example, with its refined modeling and sage-green patina, is distinguished by both craftsmanship and preservation. Its provenance traces back to a private London collection formed in the 1990s.
1875 Liberty Head Double Eagle - $20 U.S. Gold Coin VG! Estimate $4,000-$5,000
Also drawing attention is an 1875 Liberty Head Double Eagle gold coin, struck in San Francisco during the Reconstruction era. Composed of 90 percent gold and weighing 33.2 grams, the coin represents the largest circulating gold denomination of 19th-century America. Estimated at $4,000–$5,000, it offers numismatic appeal rooted in both historical significance and intrinsic value.
18th C. Indian Brass Shrine - Virabhadra, Daksha & Sati. Estimate $6,000-$9,000
South Asian art is represented by a rare 18th–19th century Indian brass shrine depicting the dramatic myth of Virabhadra, Daksha, and Sati. Estimated at $6,000–$9,000, the five-piece shrine captures a pivotal episode from Hindu mythology, combining fierce energy with themes of sacrifice and reconciliation. Its sculptural format—freestanding figures beneath an ornate prabhavali—is notably less common than relief plaques, making it an important devotional object.
Large Inuit Soapstone Acrobat in Transformative Pose. Estimate $5,500-$8,250
From the Arctic world, a large 20th-century Inuit soapstone carving presents a hybrid acrobatic figure locked in an extreme contortionist pose. Measuring 16 inches in length, the sculpture suggests a transformative spirit, reflecting Inuit cosmology and the fluid boundary between human and animal forms. The work, estimated at $5,500–$8,250, highlights the expressive power of Indigenous carving traditions.
Egyptian /Nubian Meroitic Stone Archer's Ring. Estimate $4,500-$6,750.
Rounding out the selection is an Egyptian/Nubian Meroitic stone archer’s ring, dated to 300 BCE–350 CE and estimated at $4,500–$6,750. Carved from mottled stone, the ring would have protected an archer’s thumb and was often placed in funerary contexts, underscoring its practical and symbolic roles.
Artemis Fine Arts emphasizes that all items in the sale are legally acquired and compliant with U.S. cultural patrimony statutes. Each lot is accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity, and the firm offers convenient in-house shipping to ensure a smooth buying experience.
With its global scope and carefully curated material, the December 19 auction promises to be a compelling event for collectors drawn to history, craftsmanship, and the enduring stories objects can tell.
