Market Report

What we’re hearing from galleries and auction houses across the country

Sandra Germain
Owner Shannon’s Fine Art Auctioneers

Shannon’s has always prominently featured historical American art as the backbone of our auctions. We are located in New England and source consignments locally and on an international level. So far this year we have had buyer participation from over 13 different countries and 43 states. Our most recent auction was 85-percent sold, indicating good interest and a healthy middle market. Overall, we have seen increasing participation from private collectors and an influx of new buyers entering the market, which is encouraging for us and the market as a whole. We find that in times of economic uncertainty, people would prefer to spend their money on tangible assets that they can enjoy.

Our online presence is extremely important as it allows us to reach buyers and find consignments all over the world. Shannon’s continues to produce full color catalogs and hold live, in-person previews, which also helps potential buyers feel confident.

In our most recent auctions, fresh-to-the-market works in good condition by well-known artists, lead the results. Last fall, we set a global auction record for 19th-century luminist seascape painter Alfred Thompson Bricher. The painting Morning at Narragansett - The Turn of the Tide, 1871, soared to achieve $337,500 (including the buyer’s premium). The astounding result was achieved because it was a masterpiece example by the artist that had been in a private collection for decades.

The market for works by female artists, particularly post-war abstract painters such as Lynne Drexler, Alice Baber and Emily Mason, demonstrates significant strength. These artists have experienced a notable increase in popularity, evidenced by strong performance in both auction settings and gallery sales. Early 20th-century artworks by female artists are also rising in the market. We have had recent success selling works by Fidelia Bridges, Jessie Arms Botke, Anna Hyatt Huntington, Jessie Willcox Smith and Jane Peterson.

The market for American impressionism continues to demonstrate considerable strength and resilience. This sustained demand reflects several key factors, including the aesthetic appeal of the artwork, the historical significance within American art history and the relative scarcity of top-tier examples. Auction results consistently reveal strong prices for historically important pieces in good condition, indicating a healthy and competitive market with participation from both established and emerging collectors.

Shannon’s Fine Art Auctioneers
49 Research Drive, Unit C, Milford, CT 06460 www.shannons.com