The C. M. Russell Museum concluded Western Art Week’s signature event, The Russell Live Auction at a sold-out Mansfield Convention Center.
From the Russell Museum:
The premiere auction attracted people from all over the country in high-stakes bidding for both historical and contemporary Western art and marked 51 years of live auction events to benefit the C. M. Russell Museum’s nonprofit and educational programs.
Included in the sale of 147 lots were 13 significant pieces by Charles M. Russell and four by Olaf C. Seltzer. The three-day series of events was made possible by numerous sponsors, including presenting sponsor, Triple Creek Ranch. The gross sales total for the 2019 events, including buyer’s premiums, was $4.7 million.
Viewed as an important event each year for both buyers and sellers, pieces are submitted to The Russell auctions by artists and third-party consignors. The museum’s temporary public exhibition of the complete auction catalogue offers visitors a rare opportunity to view each piece before many head to private collections.
Consistent with years past, significant Russell works in the auction are among the highest earners of the night. The 1897 oil “Approach of White Men” sold for $1,369,000; the 1900 oil “Indian with Bow” was sold at $753,000; the 1895 watercolor “Indian Scout” sold for $409,500; and the 1898 watercolor ink wash “Preparation for the Buffalo Hunt” sold for $128,700. Total sales for Saturday’s live auction, including buyer’s premiums, was $4.1 million.
Earlier, the successful First Strike auction featured 79 lots by living artists and grossed $420,556 including buyer’s premiums — an after-auction sale brought the sale rate to 100 percent. The highest selling piece was the thrilling sale of Lot 36, “All Legs” by Adeline Halvorson for $40,000. Nearly 700 guests and artists attended the event sponsored by Black Jack Ranch Museum.
The 2019 Art in Action event, sponsored by D. A. Davidson, was once again a sellout at the Meadow Lark Country Club. With artists donating both their time and talent to the Quick Draw and live auction event, 100 percent of the proceeds benefit the C. M. Russell Museum. This year’s Art in Action saw just under $150,000 in art sales with buyer’s premiums. Michael Barlow’s work-of-the-day gaveled in at the highest, with $13,000.
For a complete list of results and auction pieces still available, visit cmrussell.org/russell-event-sales-results.
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I have a fully framed print “An Honest Day’s Work” by Adeline Halvorson, numbered 737/4000. What could I expect to earn from this, if I were to sell it; if anything.?