Ed Mell (1942-2024), View from Ward Terrace, 1997, oil on canvas, 28¼ x 56 in. Estimate: $60/90,000

The 2026 sale will feature more than 450 lots, including Western paintings and sculpture, historic photography and Native American textiles, pottery, paintings, jewelry and works on paper. In addition, this year’s Signature Sale will also offer the John B. Stetson Set of Edward S. Curtis’ The North American Indian, one of the most compelling and historically distinguished complete sets of Curtis’ monumental publication to remain in private hands. It is estimated to fetch between $600,000 and $900,000.

E. Martin Hennings (1886-1956), Amongst the Aspens, oil on canvas over board, 13½ x 13½ in. Estimate: $70/100,000

“Hennings was a founding member of the Taos Society of Artists, and the relationship he developed with New Mexico during his lifetime put him at the leading edge of the modernism that was to come in the latter part of the 20th century,” says Gillian Blitch, president of Santa Fe Art Auction. “His work is particularly known for its representation of New Mexico’s renowned light-filled vistas, offering a luminous, nearly glowing quality. Amongst the Aspens depicts the artist’s quintessential subject matter—exploring man’s relationship to nature—while showcasing the artist’s masterful technique and keen sensitivity to light.”

Steven Yazzie (Navajo (Diné)/Laguna), Desert Life, 2012, oil on canvas, 47⅜ x 47⅛ x 2 in. Estimate: $3/5,000

“Yazzie is prominent for his multi-disciplinary approach to the complexities of an Indigenous experience as it relates to connecting to the land as the source of life, stories, conflict and healing. He is well known for his Coyote paintings, and this November marks the first time that work from this series will be offered at auction,” Blitch says. “The mischievous coyote remains highly symbolic to Diné culture, and this series often depicts the trickster animal engaging with or occupying deserted human-made settings. Desert Life features the central coyote figure in a lived-in domestic space, surrounded by a variety of Southwestern motifs, ranging from potted plants to a snake to taped-up images of portraits and landscapes. It is a wonderful, highly singular work that is brimming with elements of the artist’s symbolism, and we’re just thrilled to be making this rare, initial auction offering of his work.” The painting has a presale estimate of $3,000 to $5,000.

Earl Biss (Apsáalooke (Crow), 1947-1998), A Ride in the Sweet Grass, oil on canvas, 50⅛ x 80⅛ in. Estimate: $30/60,000

Other major works in the upcoming auction include Ed Mell’s 1997 View from Ward Terrace (est. $60/90,000), Joseph Henry Sharp’s oil on linen Hollyhocks (est. $20/40,000), Oscar E. Berninghaus’ Morning of the Fiesta – Taos Pueblo (est. $120/180,000) and Apsáalooke artist Earl Biss’ A Ride in the Sweet Grass, estimated at  $30,000 to $60,000.

Oscar E. Berninghaus (1874-1952), Morning of the Fiesta – Taos Pueblo, oil on canvas, 20 x 24 in. Estimate: $120/180,000

“The Western art market remains relatively stable,” says Blitch. “I think the auction industry is benefiting from a transparency demanded by newcomers to the art-collecting world and is therefore somewhat more resilient in the face of economic volatility. 2026 has shown good collector interest, with strong demand for both historic works from the 19th and 20th centuries as well as contemporary approaches to the genre. Notably, paintings by women artists within the New Mexico Modernism tradition have seen increased appreciation over the past several years, including the work of Rebecca Salsbury James, which will be on the block this November.”

Cyrus Dallin (1861-1944), Appeal to the Great Spirit, 1913, bronze, 21¼ x 14¾ x 21¾ in. Estimate: $60/90,000

Santa Fe Art Auction’s Signature Live Sale will be held November 6 to 7. —