Making an Impression

Freeman’s American Art and Pennsylvania Impressionists sale hits record prices

By Alyssa M. Tidwell

In early December, Freeman’s held the winter edition of its American Art and Pennsylvania Impressionists auction, which brought in more than $4.5 million in total sales, fueled by record results across categories including Pennsylvania Impressionism, Western art and traditional American painting. The sale achieved a 115 percent sell-through rate by value, with 86 percent of lots sold and 17 percent of buyers new to Freeman’s.

Edward Willis Redfield (1869-1965), Centre Bridge. Oil on canvas, 26 x 32 in. Estimate: $100/150,000 SOLD: $229,100

“Freeman’s 2025 results—particularly those from this past December—suggest a significant tailwind for American Art, especially within the middle market,” says Adam Veil, vice president and head of the American art department at Freeman’s. “As we approach the spring season, high-quality supply and bullish collector sentiment have shifted the narrative: American art is no longer a dormant market; it is a robust, resilient one, poised for the nation’s semiquincentennial year.”

Milton Avery (1885-1965), Oxcart. Oil on canvas, 27½ x 351/8 in. Estimate: $100/150,000 SOLD: $203,700

Pennsylvania Impressionist Edward Willis Redfield saw significant results during the December sale, with Centre Bridge (est. $100/150,000) and Homestead ($120/180,000) each selling for $229,100. Frosty Morning sold for $114,800 against a presale estimate of $80,000 to $120,000.

“A strong showing and a 100 percent sell-through rate for five canvases by Edward W. Redfield. The group grossed $585,000 [including premium], continuing Freeman’s dominance of this segment of the market,” Veil adds. “To date, Freeman’s has offered and sold more Redfield oils than any other house, with a historical 87 percent sell-through rate.”

Rockwell Kent (1882-1971), Home Again–Asgaard, 1942-43. Oil on canvas, 28¼ x 341/8 in. Estimate: $40/60,000 SOLD: $165,600

In the realm of American Modernism, works by Milton Avery, Rockwell Kent, Albert York and Will Barnet outperformed expectations. Avery’s Oxcart bested its $150,000 high estimate when it sold for $203,700, while Kent’s Home Again–Asgaard more than doubled its high estimate when it sold for $165,600. “[This is] a testament to the market’s appetite for mid-century painting and demand for these artists, and this period, relative to earlier [or] more foundational American works,” says Veil.

Edward Troye (1808-1874), A Bazaar in Damascus, 1856. Oil on canvas, 84 x 64 in. Estimate: $12/18,000 SOLD: $254,500

The highest performing lots of the sale were Pursuit of the King of the Herd by Alexander Phimister Proctor and A Bazaar in Damascus by Edward Troye, both of which achieved $254,500. Particularly astounding is the Troye piece—it had a presale estimate of just $12,000 to $18,000.

“December’s sale [also] saw predictably healthy results for Guy Wiggins, Charles Burchfield, Grandma Moses and Edward Henry Potthast, whose works continue to provide much of the velocity within the middle market,” Veil says.

Freeman’s next American Art and Pennsylvania Impressionists sale is set for June 7. —

Top 10 LOTS
Freeman’s American Art and Pennsylvania Impressionists auction, December 7, 2025 (including buyer’s premiums)
Artist Title Low/High ESt. SOLD
Alexander Phimister Proctor Pursuit of the King of the Herd $200/300,000 $254,500
Edward Troye A Bazaar in Damascus $12/18,000 $254,500
Edward Willis Redfield Centre Bridge $100/150,000 $229,100
Edward Willis Redfield Homestead $120/180,000 $229,100
Morgan Colt The Canal Boat $60/100,000 $216,400
Milton Avery Oxcart $100/150,000 $203,700
Rockwell Kent Home Again–Asgaard $40/60,000 $165,600
Grigory Gluckmann Debut $15/25,000 $152,900
Charles Courtney Curran Winifred $8/12,000 $114,800
Edward Willis Redfield Frosty Morning $80/120,000 $114,800