Bonhams Cornette de Saint Cyr Auctions Belgian Collection of 350+ Archaeological Objects in Paris

A Belgian collection of over 350 archaeological objects assembled over seven decades will be auctioned at Bonhams Cornette de Saint Cyr in Paris. Two sales are scheduled: a live auction on December 12 followed by an online sale running through December 16. Among the highlights is a gray schist Buddha statue from the ancient Gandhara region, dating to the 2nd-3rd century AD. Acquired in the 1970s from collector Claude de Marteau, this piece is estimated at €60,000-€80,000. The Buddha stands wearing a Greek-style toga with broad folds, hair tied with an uṣṇiṣha, and forehead bearing an urṇa. Remnants of a halo are visible on the shoulders, features symbolizing enlightenment and transcendent nature. Another notable lot is a delicate female Cycladic idol in marble from the Early Cycladic II period (circa 2600-2400 BC). The collection reflects a long-standing passion for antiquity.