Bonhams' antiquities sale next week includes an historic collection of classical sculpture that comes to the market for the first time in decades. The Sir Daniel Donohue Collection is of a kind seldom seen any more - a magnificent antiquarian collection in the Grand Tour style.

A Roman marble male portrait head from the 1^st century BC is sure to attract investors and has a high end estimate of £30,000. This fascinating piece depicts a mature man with a severe expression, and stands 25 cm high.

Another leading lot is a Roman marble figure of a goddess from the 1st or 2nd century AD, valued at £40,000-50,000. The 153cm high piece is set into a square marble base, accompanied by a stone plinth.

Being a Roman was a serious business

Madeleine Perridge, the head of antiquities at Bonhams, comments: "The Donohue Collection is a remarkable monument to Sir Daniel and Countess Bernadine's passion for collecting.

"They filled their houses and gardens with stunning pieces of ancient sculpture from over-life size marble goddesses, to small finely-cast bronze figures."

The sale takes place in London on Wednesday April 13.