Phoenix Ancient Art Returns to San Francisco Fall Show with Trojan War Masterpieces
Marking their fifth consecutive year at the event, Hicham Aboutaam and Phoenix Ancient Art are bringing an extraordinary collection of ancient masterpieces to Stand B9 inside the historic Festival Pavilion at Fort Mason Center, running from October 15 through 18. As ancient mythology enjoys a remarkable resurgence in popular culture, the gallery is highlighting the Trojan War, coinciding with Christopher Nolan’s upcoming film The Odyssey.
6th-Century B.C. Attic Greek Amphora Depicts the Theft of the Palladion
At the center of the exhibition is an outstanding 6th-century B.C. Attic Greek amphora that depicts the fight of Odysseus and Diomedes, with Athena standing in the middle favoring the king of Ithaca, Hicham Aboutaam stated. The figures on the wine jar are identified by their inscribed names. This specific artifact captures a pivotal moment of the Trojan War: the plundering of the Palladion, which was the sacred representation of Athena thought to keep Troy safe from destruction. According to legend, as long as the sacred image remained within the city, Troy could not fall. Odysseus and Diomedes undertook the dangerous mission together behind enemy lines, successfully stealing the image and stripping the city of its divine protection.
Greek Bronze Statuette of Odysseus Recalls Encounter with Polyphemus
Joining the amphora on Stand B9 is a striking Greek bronze statuette of Odysseus, a masterpiece featuring captivating expressionism that depicts the hero carrying a wineskin on his back and a situla hanging from his left forearm. This depiction recalls the hero’s encounter with the Cyclops Polyphemus in Homer’s epic, where Odysseus uses wine in a desperate attempt to incapacitate the Cyclops and escape imprisonment in the cave.
Curated Antiquities Highlight Métallique Chic Theme at Stand B9
In addition to these Homeric highlights, Phoenix Ancient Art will showcase a signature line of remarkable classical artifacts—such as Roman marble portraits, Greek vases, sculpture, and Egyptian bronzes—alongside a brilliant array of silver and gold specifically curated for the Métallique Chic motif of this year’s show. The family-owned gallery, founded by Sleiman Aboutaam in 1968 with galleries in New York City (Electrum) and Geneva, Switzerland, invites collectors and institutions to visit Stand B9 next to the lecture hall at Fort Mason Center from October 15 to 18.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Exhibition
What are the exact dates and location for the Phoenix Ancient Art exhibition?
The exhibition runs from October 15 through 18, 2026, at the Festival Pavilion within the Fort Mason Center in San Francisco, California, located specifically on Stand B9 next to the lecture hall.
Which specific antiquities anchor the Homeric presentation?
The presentation centers on a 6th-century B.C. Attic Greek amphora depicting the theft of the Palladion by Odysseus and Diomedes, alongside a Greek bronze statuette of Odysseus carrying a wineskin and a situla.
Who leads Phoenix Ancient Art at the San Francisco Fall Show?
Hicham Aboutaam serves as president and leads the family business, which was originally founded by Sleiman Aboutaam in 1968 and maintains galleries in New York City and Geneva.
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