Competitive Bidding

Works by Albert Bierstadt and Wolf Kahn, among others, saw considerable success at Bonhams’ November 24 sale of American art

The top lot of Bonhams’ recent American Art auction was Albert Bierstadt’s Entrance to Golden Gate, which fell right in the center of its $200,000 to $300,000 estimate, selling for $250,313. Overall, the November 24 sale in New York achieved 72.7% sold by lot and 88.9% sold by value, raking in a total of $1.12 million.

Entrance to Golden Gate, a calm scene of the San Francisco shore, demonstrates a period of the artist’s life in which he spent much of his time in California recording the topography of the Golden State, from the coast to the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Albert Bierstadt (1830-1902), Entrance to Golden Gate, ca. 1872. Oil on paper laid down on canvas, 16 x 22 in. Estimate: $200/300,000 SOLD: $250,313

A world auction record was set when Evening Encampment by Wolf Kahn, achieved $162,813, after competitive bidding against a pre-sale estimate of $30,000 to $50,000. “Evening Encampment is a superb example of Kahn’s mastery of style and his ability to portray the atmospheric conditions of the landscape around him with vibrant intensity,” says Bonhams American art specialist Aaron Anderson. “We were saddened to learn of the artist’s passing earlier this year and were honored to have the opportunity to offer such a significant work by him. The sale results demonstrate that Kahn’s legacy thrives and collectors’ enthusiasm for his work is stronger than ever.” Neil Welliver (1929-2005), Woodland Terry, 1966. Oil on canvas, 42 x 38 in. Estimate: $6/8,000 SOLD: $45,313

Bessie Potter Vonnoh (1872-1955), Enthroned, modeled in 1902, cast in 1907. Bronze with brown patina, 12 in. Estimate: $12/18,000 SOLD: $60,313

Additional top selling lots in the auction include the sculpture Enthroned by Bessie Potter Vonnoh, a distinguished work in the artist’s oeuvre, depicting a mother seated with her children around her. The bronze, cast in 1907, more than tripled its high estimate of $18,000 when it sold for $60,313. Fruit Bowl, painted by Milton Avery in 1957, bested its $30,000 high estimate when it hammered at $31,563. Neil Welliver’s Woodland Terry shattered its high estimate of $8,000, selling for nearly six times that amount at $45,313. The painting depicts a nude woman partially submerged in a body of water and is a superb example of the artist’s figurative works and signature style. —

Top 10 LOTS
Bonhams’ American Art sale, November 24, 2020 (including Buyer’s Premium)
Artist Title Low/High Est. SOLD
Albert Bierstadt Entrance to Golden Gate $200/300,000 $250,313
Wolf Kahn Evening Encampment $30/50,000 $162,813
Wolf Kahn House Overlooking the Connecticut River $30/50,000 $75,313
Bessie Potter Vonnoh Enthroned $12/18,000 $60,313
Neil Welliver Woodland Terry $6/8,000 $45,313
James Edward Buttersworth Racing Yachts Magic and Gracie $40/60,000 $37,813
Wolf Kahn Green Mountain Orchards: Rain Approaching $15/25,000 $32,813
Milton Avery Fruit Bowl $20/30,000 $31,563
Neil Welliver Moosehorn Drought II $7/9,000 $31,563
Theodore Earl Butler Brooklyn Bridge, New York $20/30,000 $31,563