Georgia O'Keeffe's Lake George Reflection (circa 1921-1922) was the star lot of Christie's American Art sale in New York on May 19.
The work can be hung either horizontally or vertically, offering either a straightforward landscape or an abstract form that mirrors the artist's iconic flower paintings.
Georgia O'Keeffe's Lake George Reflection can be hung vertically or horizontally |
It realised $12.9m, a slight increase of 7.5% on its $12m estimate.
The present work is one of a series she produced over her career depicting Lake George in upstate New York.
She stayed there regularly with her husband Alfred Stieglitz during the 1920s.
O'Keeffe held all four top spots in the auction, with her Red Hills with Pedernal, White Clouds achieving $4.5m.
In terms of landscapes, she is best known for her atmospheric renderings of the vistas of New Mexico - of which this is a fine example.
She first travelled there in 1929 and was captivated by the colours and light of the region.
The mountain in the painting, Cerro Pedernal, appears as a regular motif throughout her work.
O'Keeffe has always had a dedicated following, but has grown in popularity in recent years.
Her record (also the record for any female artist) stands at $44.4m, set for Jimson Weed/ White Flower No. 1 at Sotheby's New York in 2014.
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