Hindman’s Arts of the American West Auction Realizes over $1.5 Million, Breaks Auction World Record for Colorado Artist
Denver- Hindman’s November 7 Arts of the American West auction, featuring Western art, Native American weavings and objects, pueblo pottery, Southwestern jewelry and decorative arts realized over $1.5 million, setting a world auction record and achieving several milestones for Hindman’s Arts of the American West department.
A top lot of the sale, Vance Kirkland’s Explosions on 20 Billion Years Ago, broke the auction record for most expensive piece sold by the artist. The work realized $67,500 surpassing its presale estimate of $7,000 – $9,000. Another highlight by the artist, Painting No. 8, realized $11,250, selling for over double its presale estimate of $3,000- $5,000.
Vance Kirkland (American, 1904-1981) Explosions on 20 Billion Years Ago, 1979, from Forces series. Estimate: $7,000–$9,000. Sold for $67,500.
A selection of works sold in partnership with The A.R. Mitchell Museum of Western Art in Trinidad, Colorado showed strong results. Highlights from the collection included: A.R. Mitchell’s Morning Friskies, which realized $7,500 (presale estimate: $2,000 – $4,000), Harold Von Schmidt’s Bringing Home the Christmas Tree, which realized $10,625 (presale estimate: $6,000-8,000) and Rodeo at the Broadmoor, which realized $8,125 (presale estimate: $8,125). Funds received through the sale will support the Museum in better serving its mission and local community.
Harold von Schmidt (American, 1893-1982) Bringing Home the Christmas Tree. Estimate: $6,000–$8,000. Sold for $10,625.
The session of Native American art and artifacts also exceeded presale estimates. Top-selling examples include Mrs. Sam (Gladys) Manuelito’s sandpainting weaving titled Corn with Holy People, from the Nightway Chant, which sold for $55,000 against a presale estimate of $15,000 – $25,000. The work was purchased for inclusion in a museum exhibition of pictorials. Additional highlights include a Sioux beaded hide dress that sold for $30,000 against a presale estimate of $10,000 – $12,000 and Allan Houser’s He Will Be Home Soon #4/6, which realized $57,000 against a presale estimate of $30,000-$50,000.
Mrs. Sam (Gladys) Manuelito (Dine, 1893-1987) Corn with Holy People, from the Nightway Chant, sandpainting weaving. Estimate: $15,000–$25,000. Sold for $55,000.
Katherine Hlavin, Director of Business Development, West, stated: “We are thrilled with the results of the sale. Active bidding in the room, over the phone and online drove strong results, setting a record sale total for the Arts of the American West department. We were especially pleased to work with the A.R. Mitchell Museum of Western Art and the previous owners of the Vance Kirkland pieces. We managed to exceed their expectations and elevate the exposure for both iconic Colorado artists. It’s always exciting to break auction records and with the strength of the Western and Native American art markets, we look forward to another successful season.”
The Arts of the American West department is currently accepting consignments for spring auctions. For complete sale results, view the 715 auction page.