The Scottsdale Art Auction, in its second-annual foray into the world of Western art, corralled nearly $2 million in sales this month. Among the auction highlights, four drawings by the impressionist Frederic Remington raked in a combined total of $250,000, with "Goot Packers at Work" leading the pack, fetching $81,900, surprisingly surpassing its lower pre-sale estimate. As reported by ABC15, Brad Richardson, co-owner of the auction, expressed that collectors were drawn to this particular piece due to its uniqueness.
Reflecting on the unexpected bidding war that ensued over "Goot Packers at Work," Richardson highlighted, in a statement quoted by the ABC15, "Of the four Remington drawings, we put the lowest estimate on this piece but it ended up selling for the most." The other Remington illustrations, including "Indian Territory Apache’s Playing Monte" and "The Outlying Camp," also performed admirably, solidifying Remington's appeal among the collectors. Lured by the offering of over 400 lots, which were largely sold without reserve, bidders conveniently overlooked the virtual setting to partake vigorously from their digital frontiers.
Delving deeper into the offerings, the Scottsdale Art Auction presented a Noah's Ark of contemporary to historic Western art, showcasing pieces from artists such as John Nieto and Gerard Curtis Delano. Particularly, Delano's "Footprints at the Pool" came with an expectation of fetching between $60,000 to $90,000, according to the ABC15 article. The event, accruing attention for having the lowest buyer’s premium in the industry, promised a tantalizing opportunity for pieces to be sold to the highest bidder, inevitably sparking intense competition.
Proving it's not just about the old guard, the auction catalog was peppered with contemporary names like Mark Maggiori and Glenna Goodacre, offering a broad spectrum of artistic endeavors spanning several periods and styles. As stated by Phoenix Business Journal, the auction's varied roster reaffirmed Richardson's enthusiasm regarding the breadth of work available. Despite the physical distance imposed by an online auction, enthusiasts had the chance to preview all pieces before bidding at the Legacy Gallery in Scottsdale, melding traditional art admiration with modern convenience.
The credibility and success of the Scottsdale Art Auction have been attested by the "Best of the West Art Auction" title, bestowed thrice by True West Magazine, reported Phoenix Business Journal, highlighting its growing status in the art world. With future events anticipated, the auction stands as a beacon for Western art collectors, igniting fervent participation and commanding impressive sales figures, as echoed by the showcased results of this year's digital gathering.
