Grandma Moses paintings sell above estimate at Sotheby's

The beloved paintings of American folk artist Grandma Moses have seen strong results in New York, as part of Sotheby's American Paintings, Drawings and Sculpture auction on October 2.

Grandma Moses painting
Grandma Moses didn't start her painting career until she was in her 70s



There were two works by Moses offered in the sale, both typical examples of her quaint countryside scenes for which she became famous. At The Bend Of The River made $81,250, a 35.4% increase on its $60,000 high estimate, while Green Hills made $20,000 against a $15,000-25,000 valuation.

Moses (1860-1961) rose to fame when she began painting at the age 78, capturing public attention with her persona and quintessentially American scenes. Today, her work is frequently republished as post cards and souvenirs.

We have a fantastic signed photo of Grandma Moses for sale.

Top lot of the sale was Leon Gaspard's Spring in Siberia, a wonderfully colourful painting in the impressionist style that characterised his mature period. It made $317,000 against a $150,000 high estimate - up 111.3%.

Gaspard (1882-1964) was a Russian-born painter who became known for his depictions of Russian folk figures and traditions. He later married American ballerina Evelyn Adell, and settled in New Mexico.


Cropsey believed that landscapes were the highest form of art, and that nature is a manifestation of God



Jasper Francis Cropsey's The Greenwood Lake made a 79.1% increase on its $120,000 high estimate to sell for $215,000. A member of the Hudson River School, Cropsey was known for his striking use of colours.

The Greenwood Lake is one of his finest compositions, with another example housed in the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza.

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