About Bernheimer Ancient Art

G. Max Bernheimer

G. Max Bernheimer is one of the world’s leading experts in the field of ancient art. For over three decades Bernheimer was the international director of antiquities at Christie’s. During his tenure, the department became the world leader for ancient art at auction, setting many world records ranging from single works of art to specialized single-owner collection sales. Prior to joining Christie’s, he worked at the family business, Bernheimer’s Antique Art, a much beloved Cambridge, MA, institution.

Bernheimer received his BA in ancient history at Clark University in Worcester, MA in 1982. As an undergraduate he also attended the Intercollegiate Center for Classical Studies in Rome in the fall of 1981. He received his MA in Classical Civilizations from Harvard University in 1987. He also attended the American School for Classical Studies in Athens, summer 1985. His thesis was “Greek Engraved Gems in the Harvard University Art Museums”. He also participated in archeological excavations at Caesarea in Israel, summer 1991, sponsored jointly by the University of Maryland and Haifa University.

Bernheimer has authored several volumes in collaboration with the Bible Lands Museum Jerusalem documenting the collection of Dr. Elie Borowski including “Ancient Gems from the Borowski Collection” (2007) and “Glories of Ancient Greece” (2001), an exhibition catalogue for ancient Greek vases and jewelry. He also co-authored “Reflections on Ancient Glass from the Borowski Collection” (2002) and “Dragons, Monsters and Fabulous Beasts” (2004).

Publications

Areas of Expertise

Our specialization spans the ancient Mediterranean world, from the dawn of Egyptian civilization to the fall of the Roman Empire.

Egyptian Art

Predynastic through to the Roman Period, including sculpture in the round and in relief, bronzes, faience, wood, glass and jewelry.

Greek Art

Ranging from the Bronze Age (Cycladic, Minoan, Etruscan and Mycenaean) to the Iron Age (Geometric, Archaic, Classical and Hellenistic).  Greek vases, sculpture in stone and bronze, glass, engraved gems and jewelry.

Roman Art

Including Italic and Etruscan art, as well as the Roman Republican and Imperial Periods.  Sculpture in stone and bronze, such as portraiture, reliefs, and depictions of mythological figures, plus engraved gems and jewelry.

Near Eastern Art

From the Eastern Mediterranean to Central Asia, including Sumerian, Mesopotamian, Persian and Bactirian, ranging from sculpture in relief and in the round, cylinder and stamp seals, and inscribed objects.

Ancient Jewelry

With a special emphasis on engraved gems and finger rings, plus necklaces, earrings, pendants and amulets in precious metal, stone and glass.