Casting Spells

Hindman Auctions presents a selection of the enigmatic paintings of Gertrude Abercrombie in a single-owner show with value estimates cresting six-figures

September 28

Freeman's | Hindman
1338 West Lake Street
t: 312.280.1212
e: Email Gallery
Visit Gallery Websites

Gertrude Abercrombie (1909-1977) was an important figure among the Midwestern surrealist artists of the mid-20th century. She was renowned for her stark self-portraits, eerie still lifes and moonlit landscapes—paintings suffused with mystery and fantasy. Like the European surrealist artists that influenced her, Abercrombie was interested in the contents of the unconscious and dreams, symbols of which reappear in many of her paintings. Gertrude Abercrombie (1909-1977), Self and Cat (Possims), 1953. Oil on canvas, 34 x 24 in. Estimate: $300/500,000

Casting Spells: The Gertrude Abercrombie Collection of Laura and Gary Maurer will come onto the market in a single-owner auction on September 28. As the preeminent collectors of Abercrombie’s work, the Maurers’ collection of 21 pieces span the career of the enchanting, eccentric artist and comprise the broadest and some of the physically largest paintings by the woman nicknamed “Queen of the Bohemians.”

Gertrude Abercrombie (1909-1977), Landscape with Church (Church with Small Figure), ca. 1939-40. Oil on canvas, 19¼ x 26¼ in. Estimate: $50/70,000

Many of Abercrombie’s paintings, including a number in Hindman’s upcoming auction, have been featured in major solo exhibitions at Karma Gallery in New York, Illinois State Museum in Springfield, and the Elmhurst Art Museum. Until recently, Abercrombie’s work eluded widespread acclaim, but with the growing interest in surrealism over the past decade, she is now among the most sought-after female artists.

Gertrude Abercrombie (1909-1977), Dinah Enters the Landscape, 1943. Oil on Masonite, 12 x 33¾ in. Estimate: $120/180,000

“The Maurer Collection stands out because of how comprehensive it is, both in terms of the timeline and subjects it so beautifully captures,” shares Abercrombie scholar, Susan Weininger. “Significant examples of the artist’s most important themes are all represented, from self-portraits to mysterious landscapes through which the artist wanders, to meticulously painted and evocative still lifes and interiors and more.”

Gertrude Abercrombie (1909-1977), Shell and Drapery, 1952. Oil on canvas, 24 x 36 in. Estimate: $70/90,000

Highlights in the selection include a 1953 self-portrait, Self and Cat (Possims) (est: $300/500,000), the 1942 piece Solitude (est. $120/180,000) and miniatures that she often gave as gifts.

“As the door opened into the Maurers’ home, I was immediately thrown into the dizzying Abercrombie sanctuary they created,” says Hindman vice president of fine art, Joseph Stanfield. “Upon seeing Abercrombie’s unique storytelling and iconography so fully presented in the selection, I was completely under Abercrombie’s spell.”

Gertrude Abercrombie (1909-1977), Solitude, 1942. Oil on Masonite, 20½ x 40¼ in. Estimate: $120/180,000

The Maurer Collection will travel to New York City for a preview in early September. In August, Hindman will announce additional details about the previews in New York and Chicago and more collection highlights. Registration for the auction will be available on www.hindmanauctions.com.