A pair of quintessential Fern Isabel Coppedge winter scenes will anchor a strong group of historic American landscapes at Hindman’s American Art auction on May 19. With other highlights of the sale including works by Milton Avery, Wolf Kahn and William Samuel Schwartz, the offerings will provide a dynamic look at how a range of celebrated artists approached the genre in styles that range from impressionistic to more abstract.
Milton Avery (1885-1965), Mountain Lake, 1947. Oil on canvas, 24 x 40 in., signed and dated lower left: ‘Milton Avery’; signed, titled, dated and inscribed 24 x 40’ on reverse. Estimate: $100/150,000
Coppedge’s The Lock Keepers Lodge has a high estimated value of $50,000; while the other, the slightly smaller Winter Scene has a high estimate of $30,000. Both works are excellent examples of the artist’s compelling Bucks County, Pennsylvania, winter scenes, and her ability to expertly capture the distinct winter light of the region. “Coppedge’s works are ideal examples of her talent in depicting landscapes in a magical way,” comments Joe Stanfield, Hindman vice president and senior specialist of fine art. “From the light, to the color, to the brushstrokes, viewers feel like they are right there with her in Bucks County.”
Wolf Kahn (1927–2020), Line of Dark Trees & Weather Front, 1971. Oil on canvas. 31¾ x 35¾ in., signed lower right: ‘W. Kahn’. Estimate: $15/25,000
Coppedge was associated with the New Hope School of American Impressionism. She and Mary Elizabeth Price were some of the very few female painters within the male-dominated group of Pennsylvania Impressionists. During her life she studied under William Merritt Chase at the Art Students League in New York and Henry Bayley Snell at the Philadelphia School of Design for Women. She also attended classes at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, studying with Daniel Garber, who encouraged Coppedge to move to Bucks County due to the artistic opportunities that the landscapes there would offer. The artist first visited New Hope, Pennsylvania, in 1917, and settled nearby three years later. It has been noted that Coppedge would often don a bearskin coat to paint outside in the frigid winter air, creating some of her most beloved works.
Fern Isabel Coppedge (1883–1951), The Lock Keepers Lodge. Oil on canvas, 18¼ x 20 in., signed lower right: ‘Fern I Coppedge’. Property from the Collection of Stanley B. Slocum. Estimate: $30/50,000
With the Rocky Mountains depicted through broad swaths of color, Milton Avery’s Mountain Lake, estimated to garner between $100,000 and $150,000, is a lovely illustration of Avery’s abstract yet luminous landscapes. Avery was inspired by the extensive road trip he took with his family through the Canadian and American Rockies in 1947, filling his sketchbook with drawings along the way. Through the expansive bands of blues and greens, Avery shows the mountain landscape in its purest form. The artist’s use of color and unmodulated shapes powerfully combines abstract painting and perceived reality.“We are delighted to be presenting this striking Avery as a focal point of our sale,” continues Stanfield. “From the colors to the composition, this work would be an excellent addition to any collection.”
Fern Isabel Coppedge (1883–1951), Winter Scene. Oil on canvas board, 16 x 16 in., signed lower right: ‘Fern I Coppedge’. Property from the Collection of Stanley B. Slocum. Estimate: $20/30,000
Having seen a significant uptick in demand for work by Wolf Kahn, Hindman looks forward to bringing Line of Dark Tress & Weather Front to the market and seeing how the piece, which has a high estimate $25,000, fares on the block.Bidding for the May 19 auction will begin at 10 a.m. and will be available in-person at Hindman’s Chicago saleroom, through absentee bid and telephone, and online via Hindman’s Digital Bid Room.
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