Classical sculpture new to the market after decades in the ownership of Sir Daniel Donohue, a Californian businessman and philanthropist, sold outstandingly well at Bonhams Antiquities sale on April 13th in New Bond Street.

Of the 62 lots consigned by the Donohue Collection 60 sold. The top item in the Collection was the front cover lot, a sculpted panel showing a chariot and four horses being driven by figures believed to be the gods Aphrodite and Mars. The panel sold for £490,400 ($800,000). The sale made a total of £3.2m.

An exquisite piece of history - the Roman marble relief panel

Madeleine Perridge, Head of Antiquities at Bonhams commented:

"The Donohue Collection was 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 top item in the sale, the charioteer panel achieved an unprecedented price. We knew we had something special, hence the decision to put it on the front cover." 

Another 800 items from the Donohue Collection resulted in a 'white glove' 100% sold success in another Bonhams sale in LA earlier this month.