November 22, 2021, 4 p.m. | Sotheby’s American Art Sale | New York, NY

Western Views

Two Albert Bierstadt landscapes lead the Western lots at Sotheby’s American art sale in New York.

On November 22, Sotheby’s will present the fall American Art sale in New York City, and it will be one of the auction house’s first in-person sales in nearly two years.

Available works include two marvelous Albert Bierstadt paintings from opposite sides of the West—one from California and the other from Kansas. “Neither have been on the market before and they will appeal to different types of collectors,” American art specialist Charlotte Mitchell says. “We are absolutely thrilled to be presenting them.”Albert Bierstadt (1830-1902), Tuolumne Meadows, oil on canvas, 36½ x 525/8” Estimate: $1.2/1.8 million

The California painting is Tuolumne Meadows, an oil on canvas measuring more than 52 inches wide. It was likely inspired by Bierstadt’s extensive travels in the early 1860s in Yosemite, where Tuolumne Meadows sits on the eastern side of the national park. The work is estimated at $1.2 million to $1.8 million, which could make the piece one of the most expensive Bierstadt’s to hit the market since 2017, when the artist had several $1-million-plus sales. “The scale on this painting is wonderful and it reads very nicely in person,” Mitchell says. “A work of this caliber hasn’t been offered in some time.”Henry Farny (1847-1916), Nyutchi, The Old War Chief, Zuni, watercolor and gouache on paper, 201/8 x 9½” Estimate: $30/50,000

The Kansas painting, Early Settlers, from 1861, shows several figures working outside a simple log cabin as they tend to livestock and a loaded wagon. The work is estimated at $500,000 to $700,000.

“What’s great about these paintings is how well they complement each other, particularly because they each showcase a different aspect of Bierstadt’s career. They strengthen each other,” Mitchell adds. “And the light is just exquisite in both. When seeing them in person, you can’t help but be astounded at what he could do with light.”

Elsewhere in the sale is Henry Farny’s watercolor and gouache on paper Nyutchi, The Old War Chief, Zuni, a magnificent portrait of a Zuni chief in a vertical format. “It’s charming, and it has this lovely intimate scale. These works by Farny don’t come up very frequently,” Mitchell says. “The detail is also nice with the red in the shield and the blue beads. He renders so much detail in the face that it is truly impressive.” The work is estimated at $30,000 to $50,000.Albert Bierstadt (1830-1902), Early Settlers, oil on canvas, 20 x 30” Estimate: $500/700,000

The 60-lot American Art sale will also feature works from artists such as Norman Rockwell, Mary Cassatt, Jacob Lawrence and many others. For the first time in nearly two years the sale will be held live with in-person bidders, as well as phone, internet and absentee bidding. Bidders are encouraged to follow along at Sotheby’s website to see updates prior to the sale. —

Sotheby’s American Art Sale
November 22, 2021, 4 p.m.
Sotheby’s, 1334 York Avenue, New York, NY 10021
(212) 606-7000, www.sothebys.com