Results of Swann's African-American Fine Art Sale 2338

Swann Auction Galleries' African-American Fine Art Sale 2338 on February 13, 2014 brought in $704,930  with buyer’s premium, almost reaching its pre-sale low estimates ($848,000) for the sale as a whole. Of the 82 lots that were offered at auction, 61 sold (74% sell-through rate by lot). According to Nigel Freeman, Director of African-American Fine Art at Swann Galleries,"Despite trying conditions with yesterday's blizzard, we were thrilled to see institutions and collectors alike compete for these scarce works. Auction records were set for Nancy Elizabeth Prophet, Joseph Delaney, Pauline Powell Burns, and Dox Thrash."

Eighteen (18) lots, many of which were in the lower to mid-range, sold above their pre-sale high estimates. There were no lots that were sold in the five figure range. However, the following five lots sold above $25,000, exceeding their high estimates and are worth noting. Lot 44 (William H. Johnson, On a John Brown Flight) had a high estimate of $75,000 and sold for $81,250 with buyer’s premium. This was a record for a print by the artist, and it was sold to a collector.

William H. Johnson, On a John Brown Flight, Color pochoir and screenprint on cream wove paper, circa 1942-45. 16" x 24"
Image: Swann Auction Galleries

Lot 65 (Joseph Delaney, Harlem, Sunday Morning) had a high estimate of $25,000 and sold for $40,000. This was an artist record and it was sold to a collector.

 

Joseph Delaney, Harlem, Sunday Morning, Oil on masonite board, 1942. 40" x 21"
Image: Swann Auction Galleries  

Lot 80 (Aaron Douglas, Snow Storm) sold for $30,000, more than doubling its high estimate of $12,000. It was sold to a collector.
 

Aaron Douglas, Snow Storm,
Charcoal on wove paper, circa 1950-1955. 13¾" x 12½"
Image: Swann Auction Galleries 

Lot 69 (Eldzier Cortor, Untitled / Nude Seated on a Bed) sold for $27,500, doubling its high estimate of $12,000. This lot was sold to an institution.

Eldzier Cortor, Untitled (Nude Seated on a Bed), Pen, ink, pastel and wash on cream wove paper, circa 1948. 24½" x 12¼"
Image: Swann Auction Galleries 

 
Lot 40 (Hale Woodruff, Portrait of a Girl) had a high estimate of $18,000 and it sold to a collector for $27,500. All sold prices are with buyer's premium.

Hale Woodruff, Portrait of a Girl, Oil on masonite board, circa 1935-40. 10¾"x 8½". Image: Swann Auction Galleries  

The next Swann Galleries African-American Fine Art Sale is scheduled for June 10, 2014. Consignment deadline for that sale is March 10, 2014. SEE: Sale2353