Stemming from private collections throughout California, the Southwest and more, comes John Moran Auctioneers’ California and American Fine Art sale of approximately 150 lots. Jeff Moran, auction president and head of California and American fine art, notes that the sale is meticulously curated, with excitement surrounding two Western paintings by Edgar Payne (1882-1941).
With a variety of subjects and periods represented, this sale has something from every aesthetic of California and American art. However, Moran’s focus is on the rare-to-market Payne paintings. “We are delighted to present two exquisite pieces by Edgar Payne created in the heart of the 1920s,” says Moran. “As these works edge closer to their centennial of creation, they hold a significant status in our auction, being the top lots on offer.”
Edgar Payne (1883-1947), Riding near Canyon de Chelly, oil on canvas, 20 x 24 in. Estimate: $70/90,000
The two Payne highlights, Desert Riders (est. $150/200,000) and Riding Near Canyon de Chelly (est. $70/90,000), “underline the enduring appeal of Payne’s work which has stood the test of time, and are a testament to his artistic prowess and the timeless allure of his artistry,” Moran notes. “Having been in private hands for decades, these paintings are a perfect example of Payne’s ability to capture the magnificent beauty of the rugged Arizona desert landscape and the sacred ancestral lands of the Navajo people.”Moran continues to explain: “Recognized as one of California’s leading landscape artists, Payne earned the respect of his peers and art critics for his impressionistic landscapes painted in the plein-air style. Possessing a reverence for nature, he especially loved the mountains. Frequently he took pack horses in the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range to the upper lakes to paint, where he glorified the area’s majestic peaks and cobalt blue lakes. He would spend several weeks in remote locations, living with his family in large, elaborate campsites in order to create his remarkable compositions.”
George Gardner Symons (1863-1930), Winding thru the Hills to the Valley, oil on canvas, 49 x 40 in. Estimate: $15/20,000
Additional leading artists in the sale include Alson Clark, Thomas Hill, Roger Kuntz, Jesse Arms Botke and Granville Redmond, to name just a few.
Collectors will also find an impressive oil painting by George Gardner Symons (1863-1930) titled Winding thru the Hills to the Valley(est. $15/20,000), showing off the artists talents for painting in plein air—combining impressionism and realism. Snowy landscape scenes in particular, like this one, most likely depicting the Berkshire Mountains in Massachusetts, is also popular subject matter for the artist.
Edgar Payne (1882-1941), Desert Riders, oil on canvas, 25 x 30 in. Estimate: $150/200,000
Also in the mix is the Grandma Moses (1860-1961) oil painting In the Camp, 1950—exemplifying the artist’s gift at representing nostalgic scenes of American life. Here, we see two figures separated by a body of water while they set up camp. The piece is estimated to sell between $25,000 and $35,000.
The California and American Fine Art live sale at John Moran’s Monrovia, California, showroom will take place on Thursday, May 7, at 12:00 p.m. —
California and American Fine Art
May 7, 2024
John Moran Auctioneers
145 East Walnut Avenue
Monrovia, CA 91016
(626) 793-1833
www.johnmoran.com
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