Santa Fe Art Auction
932 Railfan Road, Santa Fe, New Mexico 87505
505-954-5858
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Auction IndustryEdward S. Curtis’ Survey of Native Americans Will Hit the Auction Block With Bonhams & Santa Fe Art Auction
Edward S. Curtis (1858-1952), Self Portrait in Field Attire, 1899. Image from Bonhams. American photographer Edward S. Curtis is best known for his extensive documentation of the American West. One of the most influential photographers of the 20th century, his admirers included President Theodore Roosevelt and J. P. Morgan. In a career spanning over 50 years, Curtis spent decades documenting Native American tribes in his 20-volume life's work, The North American Indian. This June, Bonhams and Santa Fe Art Auction will each present a selection of items from Curtis’ massive ethnographic survey. Making its auction debut, the Bonhams collection comes from Southern California collector and Curtis' family friend Dr. Billy Utley. The Curtis Studio sale begins on June 30th, 2021 at 4:00 PM EDT. The Santa Fe Art Auction collection comes from Christopher Cardozo, a renowned art collector, dealer, and publisher. That event begins on June 26th, 2021 at 12:00 PM EDT. Learn more about Edward S. Curtis’ seminal work before the sales begin. The Inception of The North American Indian Born in 1868 on a rural farm near Whitewater, Wisconsin, Edward S. Curtis began his career as an apprentice photographer in St. Paul. Curtis' first Native American portrait was of Princess Angeline, who he met in Seattle in 1895. She made her living digging clams. Curtis paid her a dollar for each pose. In his letter to Harriet Leitch in 1951, he mentioned the incident: “This seemed to please her greatly, and with hands and jargon she indicated that she preferred to spend her time having pictures made than in digging clams.” Soon, he became deeply interested in documenting indigenous North American cultures. In 1906, Curtis garnered financial support from J. P. Morgan, who agreed to pay him USD 75,000 over five years in return for 25 sets of volumes and 500 original prints. Edward S. Curtis (1858-1952), The North American Indian - Volumes I-XX, 1907-1930. Image from Santa Fe Art Auction. The 20-volume set of The North American Indian containing 1,511 hand-gravure printed illustrations will lead the upcoming Santa Fe Art Auction event (lot #160, estimate: $150,000 –…
Auction PreviewSanta Fe Art Auction Offers Iconic Timepieces, Fountain Pens, & Other Luxury Accessories
Legendary watch designer Gérald Genta presented his design for the Royal Oak to Audemars Piguet in 1970, eventually executing the design two years later. To commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Royal Oak in 1992, Audemars Piguet made a limited edition of 1,000 pieces. The upcoming Santa Fe Art Auction event offers one of these Royal Oak special edition watches. The available timepiece is accompanied by an AP Royal Oak green box and a certificate of origin. The auction also highlights a 1976 Rolex GMT-Master red and blue “Pepsi” watch. A Corum limited edition Golden Bridge platinum skeletonized wristwatch will be on offer as well. The Golden Bridge model, which features a 45-component movement, was designed in the 1970s by Vincent Calabrese. Corum patented Calabrese’s design and unveiled the Golden Bridge on their 25th anniversary at the 1980 Baselworld fair. The auction also offers a selection of fountain pens from Cartier, Montblanc, and Krone. Interested collectors can explore the full listings and register to bid online on Bidsquare.
Auction PreviewNavajo Silver + More
Considered the “stone of life,” turquoise holds special significance in several Native American cultures, especially for the Navajo people. According to one legend, Estsanatlehi, the Navajo goddess of creation, protection, and abundance, appeared as a drop of turquoise. Santa Fe Art Auction will present several turquoise jewelry pieces in their upcoming auction. Highlighted among them is a Navajo turquoise and coral band cuff from Kenneth Begay. Made of six silver bands, the cuff is accented with 15 turquoise and ten coral stones. Of several pieces of cast silver jewelry, a tufa cast silver and stone inlay cuff bracelet by Preston Monongye is particularly highlighted. One of the leading figures of the “New Indian Jewelry” movement of the 1960s and 70s, Monongye used traditional techniques and motifs to create a contemporary and fresh look. Also featured is a 1920s Navajo silver necklace. The long necklace is made from handmade silver beads and bears a single turquoise stone. View the complete catalog and register to bid on Bidsquare.
PeopleJoshua Rose Joins Santa Fe Art Auction
The Santa Fe Art Auction has named Joshua Rose as its new Senior Vice President. Rose will assist the 30-year old auction house in Western Art and Fine Art as well as helping with the development of new departments, including Native American Art and Photography. Joshua Rose Rose spent the last fifteen years with International Artist Publishing where he served as the Editor for American Art Collector, Western Art Collector, American Fine Art and Native American Art Magazines. “We are delighted to have Josh on board, bringing with him an extensive knowledge of a variety of art genres, from Native American to the contemporary art world,” says Gillian Blitch, President and CEO of Santa Fe Art Auction, based in Santa Fe, New Mexico. “His broad understanding of multiple art markets and interactions with a diverse collector base, from museums and dealers to private clients will be a major asset for us.” Rose has given lectures and moderated panels at the Hamptons Art Fair, The San Francisco Fine Art Fair, The Boston International Fine Art Show, The Autry Museum, The Scottsdale Museum of the West, The Booth Museum, The Briscoe Museum and the Eiteljorg Museum. He has served as a juror and speaker for such organizations as the Oil Painters of America, the Cowboy Artists of America, the American Impressionist Society, The International Guild of Realism, the Artists for Conservation and the Society of Animal Artists. Rose studied literature and philosophy at the University of Minnesota and received a Master’s Degree in the Art and Poetry of William Blake from the University College of North Wales, Bangor. He taught at the Art Institute of Phoenix and Phoenix College before starting his own magazine, Shade, in Phoenix, Arizona in 2001. He has also written for Art News and Art Forum. “This is a tremendous opportunity for me and I’m incredibly enthusiastic about the direction the Santa Fe Art Auction is headed right now,” says Rose. “I’ve been watching them over the past fifteen years and see them as a leader in the field, especially in the Southwest. I’m excited to be able to help…
Auction PreviewWestern Decorative Arts & Objects
In many Native American cultures, the deer is considered a messenger, a keeper of the Earth, and an animal of power. It symbolizes gentleness, safety, prosperity, and shelter. A Cherokee legend tells that the deer and the rabbit raced to see which was the fastest, but the rabbit cheated before the race. As a result, it was forced to give the deer its antlers. Among the featured lots in the upcoming Western Decorative Arts & Objects sale, presented by Santa Fe Art Auction, is an untitled deer painting from Popovi Da. In the piece, two dancing deer and a skunk are shown in movement. A tree stands in the background. The event also includes a gouache on paper piece by Tony Da. The grandson of famed potter Maria Martinez and the son of Popovi Da, the artist supported the legacy of his family by pioneering bold innovations. Tony Da often used prehistoric Mimbres designs as subjects for his paintings. The available 1969 work is rendered in his signature style. Beyond fine art, the sale also offers pottery and rugs. View the complete catalog and register to bid on Bidsquare.
PeopleJoshua Rose joins Santa Fe Art Auction
Rose spent the last fifteen years with International Artist Publishing where he served as the Editor for American Art Collector, Western Art Collector, American Fine Art and Native American Art Magazines. SANTA FE, NM.-The Santa Fe Art Auction has named Joshua Rose as its new Senior Vice President. Rose will assist the 30-year old auction house in Western Art and Fine Art as well as helping with the development of new departments, including Native American Art and Photography. Rose spent the last fifteen years with International Artist Publishing where he served as the Editor for American Art Collector, Western Art Collector, American Fine Art and Native American Art Magazines. “We are delighted to have Josh on board, bringing with him an extensive knowledge of a variety of art genres, from Native American to the contemporary art world,” says Gillian Blitch, President and CEO of Santa Fe Art Auction, based in Santa Fe, New Mexico. “His broad understanding of multiple art markets and interactions with a diverse collector base, from museums and dealers to private clients will be a major asset for us.” Rose has given lectures and moderated panels at the Hamptons Art Fair, The San Francisco Fine Art Fair, The Boston International Fine Art Show, The Autry Museum, The Scottsdale Museum of the West, The Booth Museum, The Briscoe Museum and the Eiteljorg Museum. He has served as a juror and speaker for such organizations as the Oil Painters of America, the Cowboy Artists of America, the American Impressionist Society, The International Guild of Realism, the Artists for Conservation and the Society of Animal Artists. Rose studied literature and philosophy at the University of Minnesota and received a Master’s Degree in the Art and Poetry of William Blake from the University College of North Wales, Bangor. He taught at the Art Institute of Phoenix and Phoenix College before starting his own magazine, Shade, in Phoenix, Arizona in 2001. He has also written for Art News and Art Forum. “This is a tremendous opportunity for me and I’m incredibly enthusiastic about the direction the Santa Fe Art Auction is headed right…
Auction PreviewNew Mexico NOW: Spanish Colonial to Spanish Market
For Hispanic artist Horacio Valdez, a 25-year career as a carpenter came to an abrupt end when a near-fatal work accident in 1974 crushed his right hand. After this incident, Valdez adopted carving and painting to pass his time. He later carved over 250 crucifixes, among other creations. The upcoming New Mexico NOW: Spanish Colonial to Spanish Market auction, presented by Santa Fe Art Auction, highlights a carved and painted sculpture by Valdez. The 1982 piece, titled Carreta de Muerte (Death Cart), resembles the calaca skeleton figures used to celebrate the Mexican Day of the Dead. Several lots available in the event were provided by a private family foundation, including a 1968 colcha sampler by Rebecca Salsbury James. Colcha is a term used to describe a wool-embroidered coverlet of Mexican origin. The proceeds from the sale of these items will be dedicated to supporting local art communities and families in need. Browse the full catalog or register to bid online on Bidsquare.
Auction PreviewThe Joseph Pytka Collection of New Mexico Art & Artifacts
This February, the upcoming Joseph Pytka Collection of New Mexico Art & Artifacts sale, presented by Santa Fe Art Auction, offers a variety of fine art, decorative art, and furniture. The auction compiles items from several recognized artists and brands, including Tiffany Studios and Antonio Molleno, as well as from cultures around the globe. A standout item is a spider table lamp from Tiffany Studios. Made between 1900 and 1915, the lampshade rests on a mushroom base with a spider finial. Other featured lots include a Navajo woven chief's blanket, from circa 1865 to 1875. The third-phase Navajo blankets are considered to be among the best Navajo textiles, mostly due to the skill of the Navajo women weavers. Beyond lamps and woven blankets, the auction will also present a figure titled Cristo Crucificado, which translates to ‘Crucified Christ.’ The hand-carved sculpture is painted with pigment over gesso. It is attributed to José Benito Ortega, an American santeros sculptor. Visit Bidsquare to browse the full catalog and register to bid online.
Auction PreviewSignature Annual Live Auction
The upcoming Signature Annual Live Auction presented by Santa Fe Art Auction offers a variety of fine art this November. The auction brings together artworks by many recognized figures in the art world such as Bert Phillips, Emil Bisttram and George Carlson. The collection of 378 items is made up of paintings, photographs, mixed media, posters, prints & multiples, and sculptures. One among the featured lots is “After the Ceremony” by Bert Phillips. Painted in traditional dresses, Phillips’ painting depicts a group of women engaged in ritual pursuits. Similarly, in the fine art section, Emil Bisttram’s work entitled “Combat” will be on display. Created in 1933, his work incorporates elements of Abstraction to his oil on canvas. Beyond paintings, collectors can find a range of sculptures including “Natoma” by R. C. Gorman. Referred to as "the Picasso of American Indian art" by the New York Times, Gorman was a Native American artist of the Navajo Nation. The artist’s sculptures are primarily of Native American women; characterized by detailed work. Visit to browse the full catalog and register to bid on bidsquare.
Auction PreviewAn Earlier West: Books, Prints + Pamphlets
An artistic sampling of westward expansion, the forthcoming auction, “An Earlier West: Books, Prints + Pamphlets” offered by Santa Fe Art Auction features works of life, literature, cartography, and biology. The available lots are anchored by several depictions of the animal kingdom from renowned lithographer John James Audobon. Other items of note include paintings of western life by Frederic Remington and Charles Russell as well as historical maps of California, New Mexico and the Southwest. View all the lots and register to bid on Bidsquare today.
