John Singer Sargent, Thomas Moran Headline Sotheby’s American Art Sale

By the early 1900s, John Singer Sargent was a conflicted artist. His portrait paintings were in high demand in America and even England, where he’d struggled to gain footing before. However, Sargent was most passionate about his watercolor paintings inspired by a lifetime of travel. Coming to auction as part of Sotheby’s American Art sale is a portrait by John Singer Sargent, completed a year before he swore off portrait painting for good. Sargent depicts his subject, Mrs. William George Raphael, leaning toward the viewer while touching her turquoise necklace. 

Representing Thomas Moran in this sale is Grand Canyon, Arizona. Originally born in England, Moran eventually moved with his family to America and used his paintings to advocate for the country’s National Park Service. In this painting, Moran uses passing rain clouds to experiment with varying light and colors across the canyon. 

Two of the most well-known American artists of the 20th century, Norman Rockwell and Georgia O’Keeffe, have work available. Norman Rockwell’s study for Saying Grace is on offer. Viewers will notice one more child at the table, a little girl, than in the final composition. There are also a few missing pieces from this study, including two young, male onlookers who would eventually make their way into the painting, a reminder of Rockwell’s methodical approach. Meanwhile, Georgia O’Keeffe collectors will find Green Oak Leaves, an early example of the artist blurring the line between realism and abstraction. Those interested in this or any other piece can register to bid on Sotheby’s website.