John Moran Auctioneers will bring historical and contemporary Western art together in its biannual Art of the American West sale on May 25. An extensive 200 lots—spawning from private collections in Southern California, Arizona and New Mexico—will feature 19th- and 20th-century fine art, along with textiles, jewelry, baskets and American Indian Pottery.
Malcom Furlow, Armani Indian, oil and acrylic on canvas, 58 x 46” Estimate: $2/3,000
“We’re happy to see that buyers are still responding and adding to their collections with more monumental pieces,” says Morgana Blackwelder, John Moran senior vice president. “I’m seeing more contemporary work is being created in the Western genre, and it’s not being shunned. When you take something so traditional and [start] changing it, there’s some pushback but, we’re seeing people wanting to be a part of this change, seeing how these contemporary artists will transform over time. They continue to rise to notoriety and have value just like the more historical counterparts had done.”
Oscar E. Berninghaus (1874-1952), American Indian with Saddled Horse, oil on canvas board, 9 x 13” Estimate: $15/20,000
An example of contemporary works in the sale, is Armani Indian (est. $2/3,000) by Malcom Furlow, a colorful depiction of a Native figure dressed in a multi-colored designer suit with a feather in loose hair. “Contemporary Western Painters, [such as Malcom Furlow], are trying to transcend that historical cowboy and Indian look and realism, into a bold, modern aesthetic,” says Blackwelder.
More historical works in the sale, and earning high estimates, are two pieces by Oscar E. Berninghaus: American Indian with Saddled Horse (est. $15/20,000) and A Street in Taos (est. $60/80,000). Both scenes illustrate Berninghaus’ skill in capturing American Indians in their day-to-day activities. “You’re seeing structures, figures and daily farm life that’s really capturing moments people don’t normally think about when they think about Western art,” says Blackwelder.
Earle E. Heikka (1910-1941), The Overland Stage Line, 1932, patinated bronze, 16½ x 48 x 8” Estimate: $20/30,000Another significant work in the sale is The Overland Stage Line (est. $20/30,000) by self-taught artist Earle Heikka. The artist was heavily influenced by Charles M. Russell and Frederic Remington, and worked in many mediums, but preferred sculpting. Heikka had a lot of success at an early age but struggled with addiction and died at the young age of 31. “He was only 22 years old when he created this piece,” Blackwelder says, “but you can really sense the raw talent and influencers, showcasing a traditional format and really highlighting the West.” Heikka, while very active and productive in his short life, only created 10 examples of the six-team shown in the bronze piece.
Joe Beeler (1931-2006), Speaker of the House, polychrome bronze, 16½ x 19½” Estimate: $4/6,000
Collectors will also see notable pieces such as Two Indians Atop Horseback (est. $15/20,000) by Gaspard de Latoix, a self-taught drafter that dedicated his life to depicting New Mexico and Plains Indians. Another more contemporary work Speaker of the House by Joe Beeler, is estimated to sell for $4,000 to $6,000. John Moran calls it a “true masterpiece by the artist. The detail of the figure’s well-defined face strikes a chord with the viewer, who senses the sitter’s proud and wise nature.”
The sale will be held through online bidding on May 25 starting at noon. There will also be opportunities to preview the collection before the sale, by appointment only. Bids will be taken online, by phone or absentee. There will also be an audio and video platform.
Art of the American West
May 25, 2021, noon
Virtual Sale
(626) 628-9341, www.johnmoran.com
Powered by Froala Editor
