Hindman hosted its fall Arts of the American West auction on November 7 to much fanfare, achieving more than $1.5 million in sales. Highlights ranged from Western paintings to historic and contemporary Native American artwork that included sculpture, jewelry, beadwork and more. “We are thrilled with the results of the sale,” says Katherine Hlavin, the auction house’s Director of Business Development, West. “Active bidding in the room, over the phone and online drove strong results, setting a record sale total for the Arts of the American West department.”
Arthur Roy Mitchell (1889-1977), Morning Friskies, oil on canvas, 28 x 26” Estimate: $2/4,000 SOLD: $7,500
The top lot of the sale was the wildlife painting High Plains Lothario, by one of the masters of the genre, Bob Kuhn, which sold for $68,750. Coming in second was Vance Kirkland’s Explosions on 20 Billion Years Ago, which shattered expectations when it sold for $67,500 against a presale estimate of $7,000 to $9,000. The work became a new auction record for the artist. Other Western paintings that achieved solid results were Ed Mell’s Cloud Progression (est. $12/18,000) and Emil Bisttram’s Taos Mountain (est. $18/24,000), which both bested their presale estimates at $27,500.
Bob Kuhn (1920-2007), High Plains Lothario, oil on board, 18 x 24” Estimate: $70/90,000 SOLD: $68,750
Ed Mell, Cloud Progression, oil on canvas, 24 x 62” Estimate: $12/18,000 SOLD: $27,500
A selection of works sold in partnership with The A.R. Mitchell Museum of Western Art in Trinidad, Colorado, showed strong results. Funds received through the sale went to support the museum to help serve its mission and local community. Highlights from the group were the museum’s namesake artist A.R. Mitchell’s Morning Friskies (est. $2/4,000) at $7,500; Harold von Schmidt’s Bringing Home the Christmas Tree at $10,625 against an estimate of $6,000 to $8,000; and von Schmidt’s Rodeo at the Broadmoor, which brought in $8,125.
Emil Bisttram (1895-1976), Taos Mountain, 1960, oil on canvas, 32 x 36” Estimate: $18/24,000 SOLD: $27,500
“We were especially pleased to work with the A.R. Mitchell Museum of Western Art and the previous owners of the Vance Kirkland pieces,” says Hlavin. “We managed to exceed their expectations and elevate the exposure for both iconic Colorado artists. It’s always exciting to break auction records and with the strength of the Western and Native American art markets, we look forward to another successful season.” —
TOP 10 LOTS Hindman, Arts of the American West, November 7, 2019 (including buyer’s premium)
Artist Title Low /High Estimate SOLD
Bob Kuhn High Plains Lothario $70/90,000 $68,750
Vance Kirkland Explosions on 20 Billion Years Ago $7/9,000 $67,500
Allan Houser He Will Be Home Soon $30/50,000 $57,500
Unknown Kiowa child’s beaded cradle $40/60,000 $56,250
Mrs. Sam (Gladys) Manuelito Corn with Holy People, from the Nightway Chant $15/25,000 $55,000
Unknown Cheyenne River Sioux child’s beaded buffalo hide vest $20/30,000 $33,750
Unknown Sioux beaded hide dress $10/12,000 $30,000
Ed Mell Cloud Progression $12/18,000 $27,500
Fritz Scholder New Mexico #41 $12/18,000 $27,500
Emil Bisttram Taos Mountain $18/24,000 $27,500
Powered by Froala Editor
