One of Ansel Adams most iconic landscapes, The Tetons and the Snake River, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming, 1942, originated roughly 11 miles from where the Jackson Hole Art Auction is held in Wyoming. When it came time to bid on it, collectors did not disappoint, driving the work to $312,000, well over its $150,000 high estimate. The piece, which was once part of the Elton John collection, was the top lot of September 14 sale.
Ansel Adams (1902-1984), The Tetons and the Snake River, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming, 1942. Gelatin silver print, printed 1970s, 15 x 18¾ in. Estimate: $100/150,000 SOLD: $312,000
Another work originating from the exact same location, Conrad Schwiering’s 1962 painting Tapestry of Time, also performed well, selling for $132,000, a world auction record from the Wyoming artist.
William R. Leigh (1866-1955), Chief Big Eagle, 1918. Oil on canvas, 28 x 22 in. Estimate: $175/275,000 SOLD: $276,000
The two Snake River works helped bring in more than $6.3 million in sales at the annual auction, which also boasted a 93 percent sell-through rate. More than a quarter of the lots sold above the high estimates.
Other top lots were Carl Rungius’ The Challenge, which sold within estimates at $276,000; William R. Leigh’s Chief Big Eagle (est. $175/275,000) that sold for $168,0000; and Henry Shrady’s Bull Moose bronze that sold for $162,000, well over its $90,000 high estimate.
Conrad Schwiering (1916-1986), Tapestry of Time, 1962. Oil on panel, 48 x 48 in. Estimate: $30/50,000 SOLD: $132,000
One sleeper hit was Woodrow Blagg’s 72-inch-wide graphite work Bull Rush. The paper work had a high estimate of $40,000, but furious bidding drove the sale to $168,000. The work broke the Blagg world auction record, which had been $19,000.
Henry Shrady (1871-1922), Bull Moose, 1900. Bronze, 19 7⁄8 x 17½ x 11 in. Estimate: $60/90,000 SOLD: $162,000
“It was a very strong auction and we feel great about the results. It’s always exciting to see so much active bidding,” says auction partner Kevin Doyle. “We found that the sale had strong participation online through our three bidding platforms. Bidders are finding it easier to bid and they are having more confidence to bid on artwork sight unseen.”
Carl Rungius (1869-1959), The Challenge. Oil on canvas, 30 3⁄8 x 463⁄8 in. Estimate: $250/350,000 SOLD: $276,000
Doyle adds that the auction house is already looking forward to the February 2025 online sale.
Top 10 LOTS
Jackson Hole Art Auction, September 14, 2024 (including buyer’s premiums)
Artist | Title | Low/High Est. | SOLD
Ansel Adams | The Teton Range and Snake River | $100/150,000 | $312,000
Carl Rungius | The Challenge | $250/350,000 | $276,000
William R. Leigh | Chief Big Eagle | $175/275,000 | $168,000
Mark Maggiori | Wyoming Spring | $80/120,000 | $168,000
Woodrow Blagg | Bull Rush | $20/40,000 | $168,000
Henry Shrady | Bull Moose | $60/90,000 | $162,000
Martin Grelle | Winter Quest | $150/250,000 | $156,000
G. Harvey | Jackson’s Winter Campaign | $125/175,000 | $144,000
Conrad Schwiering | Tapestry of Time | $30/50,000 | $132,000
Gerard Curtis Delano | Colorado | $150/250,000 | $120,000
Powered by Froala Editor
