Introducing Take 5 by Dr Elke Close of @hellenistichistory and her five highlights from the upcoming

Antiquities & Islamic Arts auction taking place on Friday 26 April.

Dr. Elke Close is a Classics scholar and the founder of Hellenistic History, an educational platform that began on Instagram and expanded into a comprehensive website. This resource provides timelines, glossaries, and recommended readings on Greek and Roman history.


Currently teaching Classical languages and culture at a secondary school in Maastricht, Dr. Close tries to create an engaging educational environment that cultivates a deep appreciation for antiquity. She also maintains a continuing online presence with over 65k followers on Instagram and TikTok, where she promotes accessible education and historical awareness.


A native of Belgium with a PhD in Classics from the University of Edinburgh (2018), Dr. Close is actively involved in developing several projects to enhance historical engagement: a Hellenistic History book club, a coloring book on Ancient Greece, unique historical drawings available on her Redbubble shop, a podcast, and a travel book covering all the archaeological sites of mainland Greece.


For collaborations or more information, contact her at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or follow her on across social media: @hellenistichistory or @drawingancienthistory!

Lot 46: A fragmentary Greek gold oak wreath, late Classical to early Hellenistic period

The first item I’ve chosen to highlight are these striking fragments of a gold wreath, dating back to the late Classical or early Hellenistic period. This piece stood out to me because of the ancient Greeks’ ability to mimic natural forms with such finesse and precision. The oak leaves are not only delicate but are also crafted with a level of detail that brings the texture and shape of each leaf to life. Despite being over 2,000 years old, the craftsmanship is still evident, showcasing the skill and careful attention which went into the creation of this work.

Lot 53: An Attic "head" oinochoe, circa 500-450 B.C.

I have a particular fondness for ancient Greek pottery, especially unique pieces like this Attic head oinochoe. It's an intriguing type of Greek pottery where the traditional oinochoe, or wine jug, is shaped into the head of a woman. This unusual design combines practical utility with artistic expression. The facial features such as the eyes and eyebrows are painted directly onto the body of the vase, while the nose and mouth are sculpted into the form itself, creating a somewhat lifelike appearance.

 
Lot 22: An Egyptian polychrome painted limestone relief section, Late Period
 
I have long been fascinated by the habits of ordinary people in other times. Items such as this one show subtle hints at how these people lived their lives, what kind of jobs they did or what food they ate. I'm particularly drawn to the detail in this relief—notice the roasted duck positioned between the legs of an Egyptian man, suggesting his preference for this delicacy. As you examine the relief more closely, more details emerge, especially the remnants of the vibrant colours once visible on the relief.

 

Lot 36: A group of Roman bronze items

This lot spoke to me due to its diverse array of objects, Particularly the ring adorned with a phallic charm. While today one might give you a weird look if you are wearing a ring with a phallus on it, in ancient Rome the phallus was a common symbol and was featured in all aspects of life. They could be seen at crossroads, at the entryway of private houses and even on rings. The phallus represented strength, fertility and protection. It would commonly ward off the evil eye or other witchcraft and bring good luck to the wearer, often children as well as adults. These rings could be worn as rings or as amulets around the neck.

 

Lot 67: A group of Roman to Byzantine bronze coins, 2nd-10th century AD

This final lot, consisting of Roman and Byzantine coins, holds particular interest for me as I believe coins are among the most fascinating sources for studying the past. They not only offer insights into the ways in which of currency evolved and its economic impact through the ages but also reveal much about ancient societies through the imagery they bear. Coins have been instrumental in dating the reigns of Roman emperors, identifying lost statues and buildings, and even telling us what famous kings and queens must have looked like. Due to their small size, they also represent some of the most tangible remnants of the past that we can easily handle and study.

 

To stay up to date with Dr Close's work, she can be found on the following platforms: 

Instagram: @hellenistichistory or @drawingancienthistory

Facebook: Hellenistichistory

Tiktok: Hellenistichistory

Threads: Hellenistichistory

Website: www.hellenistichistory.com

Webshop: https://www.redbubble.com/people/elkeclose/shop