Sotheby's Arts of the American West Results

Joseph Sharp's The War Bonnett

On May 22, 2013, Sotheby's held its inaugural Arts of the American West Sale and posted final results of $3,888,065.  First and foremost, I think it's fabulous for the Western market that an auction powerhouse like Sothebys recognizes the growing popularity and demand for works of the American West.  Don't be fooled by the total, because many of their strongest pieces ended up in their American Art Sale like C.M. Russell's Enemies That Warn and Frederic Remington's Call the Doctor.  However, I was surprised by the number of pieces that were bought-in, but when you consider the overall quality of paintings presented, it makes sense.  Although you had some household names from the Western market like Frederic Remington, E.I. Couse, William Leigh, Joseph Sharp and Alfred Jacob Miller, they weren't close to representing the best works by those artists.  Grace Carpenter Hudson's Help On The Dow sold well exceeding its high estimate of $30,000 and selling for $46,875.  I thought Conrad Schwiering's 30 x 40 inch Fall Changes was a great value selling for $13,750.  I really think that Schwiering's work is under-valued and he doesn't get as much credit for his influence on the Yellowstone and Jackson Hole area.  E.I. Couse's pair of 8x10 oils titled Pueblo Indian Girl and Firelight were gems and the realized price of $68,750 compared to their $20,000 low estimate proved I wasn't the only one that felt that way.  Finally, Joseph Henry Sharp's The War Bonnett measuring 20x24 inches was another highlight. It realized $257,000 compared to its $120,000-$180,000 estimate.

A pair by E.I. Couse

Conrad Schwiering

Grace Carpenter Hudson

If you're looking for quality works by today's leading contemporary Western and Wildlife artists, check out the Prix de West Show at the National Cowboy Hall of Fame.  In my opinion, one of the country's premier museum shows.  If you're seeking works by deceased artists, mark your calendars for July and the Coeur d'Alene Art Auction.