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Santa Fe Art Auction’s Art of the West Sale Achieves Record-Breaking Success
The Santa Fe Art Auction’s Art of the West sale, held on May 7-8, proved to be a resounding success, with over $1 million in total sales and a 95% sell-through rate. The two-day auction featured 469 lots of both classic and contemporary Western artworks, celebrating the region’s rich heritage and vibrant character. Bidding was competitive, with hammer prices often exceeding estimates and new auction records set for several prominent artists.
Record-Breaking Highlights
One of the standout moments of the sale was the world auction record set by Malcolm Furlow’s (Choctaw, 1946-2023) oil on canvas painting, “September Shaman”, which sold for $30,750, far surpassing its pre-sale estimate of $6,000-$9,000. Furlow’s work, known for its mystical and evocative depictions of Native American themes, continues to captivate collectors.
Another record was set by Louisa McElwain’s (1953-2013) “Sunset Thunderhead”, an 8 by 10-inch oil on canvas that sold for $7,680, equating to an impressive $75 per square inch. This marked a new high for McElwain’s work at auction.
Additional records were achieved for artists such as Irby Graves Brown, William S. Haskell, and Carrie Fell, underscoring the growing demand for Western and Native American art.
Day One: Native Pottery, Sculpture, and Works on Paper
The first day of the auction featured 215 lots, focusing on Native pottery, sculpture, and works on paper, including drawings, prints, and multiples. Notable among these were Edward Curtis photogravures and goldtone photographs, which drew significant interest from collectors.
Highlights included:
- Gustave Baumann’s (1881-1971) “San Geronimo, Taos”, a 1924 color woodcut in its original frame, which sold for $20,910, well above its low estimate.
- Edward Borein’s (1872-1945) watercolor “Remuda”, which fetched $14,760, more than double its low estimate.
Other notable sales included works by Maynard Dixon, Frank Applegate, and William Penhallow Henderson, as well as a hand-painted “We Buy Old Navajo Rugs” sign from the Tyrone Campbell Collection, which achieved exceptional hammer prices.
Day Two: Classic to Contemporary Western Paintings
The second day featured 251 lots, showcasing a diverse range of classic to contemporary Western paintings. The sale included works by historic and Native American artists, the Taos Moderns, and members of the Cowboy Artists of America.
Malcolm Furlow’s “September Shaman” was the star of the day, but other works by the artist also performed exceptionally well, contributing to the strong bidding energy. Louisa McElwain’s “Sunset Thunderhead” was another highlight, achieving a new auction record for the artist.
Robust Bidding and High Demand
The auction was characterized by robust bidding and high demand, with many lots exceeding their estimates. Collectors competed fiercely for works from important collections, including those owned by Tyrone Campbell, Gregory Warren Nelson, and Patsy P. and William L. Hutchison. The strong performance of the sale reflects the enduring appeal of Western and Native American art.
Upcoming Auctions
Following the success of the Art of the West sale, the Santa Fe Art Auction has announced its upcoming events:
- New Mexico Now: July 23-24
- Native Market Sale: August 12-13
- Annual Signature Sale: November 7-8
For more information, visit www.santafeartauction.com or call 505-954-5858.
Conclusion
The Santa Fe Art Auction’s Art of the West sale was a landmark event, demonstrating the continued strength of the market for Western and Native American art. With record-breaking sales, exceptional prices, and strong bidding competition, the auction solidified Santa Fe’s reputation as a premier destination for collectors of these genres. The event also highlighted the growing interest in works by artists like Malcolm Furlow and Louisa McElwain, whose contributions to the art world continue to resonate with audiences. As the auction house prepares for its upcoming sales, the success of this event sets a high bar for future offerings.
