Los Angeles, CA — As the year comes to a close, John Moran Auctioneers will offer their final Art of the American West sale of 2024, happening Wednesday, November 13th, at 10:00am PDT. Comprised of over 350 lots, this auction will feature an exciting and robust offering of fine art for a wide range of collecting aesthetics from historic to contemporary. Headlining this sale are works by Luke Frazier, John Nieto, and Maynard Dixon. Other fine art will feature Theodore Ullman, Antonio Di Donato, Dan Mieduch, Fritz Scholder, and multiple works by Marjorie Reed. Western bronzes from artists such as Earle Erik Heikka, George Montgomery, Dave Mc Gary, Ulysses Grant Sped, Mehl Lawson, Orland C. Joe, C.H. Humphriss, R.M. Scriver, Harry Jackson, and Pat Haponstall showcases the diverse talent of Western artists and sculptors. Incredible examples of Navajo and Pueblo jewelry including pieces by Jerry and Wilma Begay, Audie Yazzie, Juan Martinez, and Johnny Sheeka represent more than 80 lots. A variety of regional textiles, baskets, and pottery, including examples from Margaret Tafoya, Stella Chavarria, and Carmelita Dunlap will make their way to the block. Rounding out the sale, a selection of Arts and Crafts furnishings including a striking Rookwood pottery table lamp adorned with a Paul Crist Studios daffodil shade and a double-door Gustav Stickley bookcase.
Western art aficionados will be delighted by offerings from renowned artists Luke Frazier, John Nieto, and Maynard Dixon. Growing up in a large family of brothers who loved hunting and fishing in the mountains of northern Utah, Luke Frazier (b. 1970) has become a prominent artist for wildlife and outdoor scenes. This sale will feature “Dark Water Beckons,” 1996, with an estimate of $10,000-15,000. John Nieto (1936-2018) was an American painter who concentrated on Native American themes and wildlife from the Western United States. His work, “Desert Water II,” 1984, estimated $8,000-12,000, is an example of his use of bold, vibrant colors. Known for his paintings that focused on the American West, Maynard Dixon (1875-1946) is considered one of the finest artists of the U.S. Southwestern cultures and landscapes of the 19th and 20th centuries. “Rider on horseback” will be offered with a $6,000-8,000 estimate.
Highlighting the selection of Western bronzes are works by Earle Erik Heikka, Fritz White, and George Montgomery. Earle Erik Heikka (1910-1941) designed figurines and statues of the Old West, including Native Americans, cowboys, horses, mules, miners, and nativity scenes. According to the Great Falls Tribune, “Heikka had made a name for himself in national art circles, particularly with his modeling depicting picturesque phases of the old west. Combined with the lifelike rendition of the subjects was careful attention to the historical accuracy of all detail.” His work, “Trophy Hunters” also titled, “Bringing Home the Bacon,” 1936, will be available to collectors with an estimate of $8,000-12,000. Fritz White’s “Prisoner of the Willow,” 1984, estimated $3,000-5,000, and “Trouble,” 1974, by George Montgomery, valued at $2,500-3,500, will also be featured.
The auction will also present over 30 regional textiles including two Second Phase wearing blankets, with one being a brown, cream, and red striped Navajo Second Phase wearing blanket, estimated $2,000-4,000. There will also be a third-phase variant and a Navajo Crystal J.B. Moore rug with storm pattern.
Unique decorative pieces include a polychrome olla by Margaret Tafoya, offered with an estimate of $2,000-4,000 and a Hopi hemis katsina figure, valued at $3,000-5,000. There will also be a carved stone figure by Greyshoes, a Santo Domingo Pueblo polychrome pottery dough bowl, a Guy Gooding leather saddle with stand, and a couple of Turtle storyteller figures by Randy Chitto.
The sale will feature over 70 exquisite baskets from various Indigenous tribes, including the Hupa, Yokuts, Panamint, Paiute, Pomo, California Missions, Akimel O’ohdam, Apache, Hopi, Thompson River, and Northwest Coast. One of the standouts is a Yokuts polychrome rattlesnake basket, estimated $1,000-2,000. These handcrafted works highlight the intricate artistry and traditional techniques passed down through generations.
In addition to the baskets, the auction will present a selection of Arts and Crafts furnishings. Highlights include a striking Rookwood pottery table lamp adorned with a Paul Crist Studios daffodil shade, estimated $1,500-2,000, a double door Gustav Stickley bookcase (no. 716), estimated $2,000-3,000, and a range of contemporary furniture pieces that embody the essence of the Arts and Crafts movement.
Collectors are sure to take notice of 80 lots of gorgeous Southwest jewelry. Designers include Jerry and Wilma Begay, Audie Yazzie, Juan Martinez, and Johnny Sheeka. Featured pieces include a group of Southwest Heishi shell necklaces, estimated $1,000-1,500, a Navajo silver and turquoise squash blossom necklace, estimated $800-1,200, and a Navajo First-Phase-style concho belt, with a value of $800-1,200.
— Brenda Smith, John Moran Auctioneers
“This sale will feature “Dark Water Beckons,” 1996, with an estimate of $10,000-15,000.”
Upcoming Auctions
John Moran Auctioneers is continuing their 2024 lineup with the California and American Fine Art auction, Tuesday, November 12th, 2024, followed by the Art of the American West sale, Wednesday, November 13th, 2024. Be sure to mark your calendars for these upcoming auctions so you don’t miss out on the action, and the treasures!
California and American Fine Art: Tuesday, November 12th | 12:00 pm PDT
Art of the American West: Wednesday, November 13th | 10:00 am PDT
Modern & Contemporary Fine Art: Tuesday, November 19th | 12:00 pm PDT
Latin American Art + Design: Wednesday, November 20th | 10:00 am PDT
Jewelry, Watches & Luxury: Tuesday, December 10th | 12:00 pm PDT
The Traditional Collector: Wednesday, December 11th | 12:00 pm PDT
For upcoming highlights, online catalogues, and more information on these sales, visit Moran’s website: www.johnmoran.com and follow us on social media: @johnmoran_auctioneers. Along with our website, bidding is now available online via Moran’s new mobile app, Moran Mobile, available on both iOS and Android operating systems. You may also choose to bid by phone or absentee.
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