Outsider And Vernacular Art Totals $2,064,384

Christie’s kicked off Americana Week in New York City with the Outsider and Vernacular Art sale live at Rockefeller Center on 18 January 2023. In total, the sale achieved $2,064,384; it was sold 99% by lot, 99% by value, and 132% sold against low estimates.

The top lot in the sale was The Black Cat by Winfred Rembert, which sold for $302,400, surpassing its estimate of $150,000-200,000. Another leading highlight was Goat, Camel, Lion and Figures, an iconic work by Bill Traylor, which achieved $252,000. This drawing stands among the most historically important works by Traylor as it is the piece he renders in a series of famous photographs taken by Charles Shannon.

Outsider And Vernacular Art Totals $2,064,384
Charles Shannon, Bill Traylor’s Hands/Drawing Board and Cane, 1939.
Photograph: Charles E. and Eugenia C. Shannon Trust, courtesy Betty Cuningham Gallery

The select group of artworks from the collection of Jane Fonda totaled $277,956, led by Untitled, a massive assemblage by Thornton Dial which sold for $107,100. Americana Week at Christie’s continues tomorrow with From Peale to Peto: American Masters from the Pollack Collection at 10 AM. The full schedule of sales can be viewed here.

Sale Highlights | Outsider And Vernacular Art

Outsider And Vernacular Art Totals $2,064,384
BILL TRAYLOR (circa 1853-1949)
Goat, Camel, Lion and Figures
graphite on repurposed card
14 x 22 in.
Executed circa 1939.
Price Realized: $252,000
Outsider And Vernacular Art Totals $2,064,384
Things Grow in the United States: Works from the Collection of Jane Fonda
THORNTON DIAL (1928-2016)
Untitled
mixed media including wire, fabric and Splash Zone compound on canvas
76 x 65 in.
Executed in 1991.
Price Realized: $107,100
Outsider And Vernacular Art Totals $2,064,384
HENRY DARGER (1892-1973)
Eagle Headed Blengin
graphite, carbon transfer and watercolor on paper
14 x 17 in.
Executed circa 1950-60.
Price Realized: $107,100
Christies

editor

Christie’s, the world's leading art business, had auction sales in the first half of 2019 that totalled £2.2 billion / $2.8 billion. Christie’s is a name and place that speaks of extraordinary art, unparalleled service and international expertise. Christie’s offers around 350 auctions annually in over 80 categories, including all areas of fine and decorative arts, jewellery, photographs, collectables, wine, and more. Prices range from $200 to over $100 million. Christie's also has a long and successful history conducting private sales for its clients in all categories, with emphasis on Post-War & Contemporary, Impressionist & Modern, Old Masters and Jewellery.