Auction: May 16

Our curators picked their favorite items from our upcoming May 16 American Art Signature® Auction.
| Aviva's Pick Aviva Lehmann | Senior Vice President, American Art, New York
Maurice Sendak Max Arriving at the Island of Wild Things, Where the Wild Things Are first drawing, 1963
Maurice Sendak's Max Arriving at the Island of Wild Things is a personal favorite, as it marks the genesis of a cultural touchstone—the very first "Wild Things" illustration ever created, opening a fascinating window into Sendak's creative mind. Much like owning the first issue of a legendary comic book or a rare #1 baseball card, this 1963 watercolor captures the pivotal moment when Max's iconic journey into the realm of imagination began, laying the foundation for a narrative that would redefine children's literature. Acquiring this work means possessing a cornerstone of literary history, where Sendak's transformative vision first took shape.
| Liz's Picks Vice President, West Coast Director, American Art
Boris Lovet-Lorski Cretan Dancers, 1930
The pair of Cretan Dancers included in this auction represent a unique offering—never have two examples of each of these dancer forms been offered together at auction. They retain distinguished provenance, having been acquired as a pair directly from the artist by the present owner, and offer an increasingly rare opportunity for any discerning collector. Their presence at auction celebrates the artist's supreme talent and exceptional prowess as a sculptor. The sensuality and fluidity of these two sculptural forms capture the essence of dance as an art form and speak to both the Classical influences and Modern artistic movements that inspired the artist. As pendants, these sculptures would complement any interior and are distinguished by their rarity and quality.
Frederic Edwin Church Valley of the Lebanon, 1869
During Church's only transatlantic journey, from November 1867 to June 1869, the artist produced a series of studio paintings which recorded landscapes across Europe, the Ottoman Empire and the southern Mediterranean, the present work one among them. Church's visit to Ottoman Syria only deepened his Catholic faith, placing him in the same locations ascribed to many stories in the bible. Moreover, it dutifully captures the foreign vistas not readily accessible to Church's growing base of admirers in America. This striking and beautifully contemplative work seeks to capture the expanses of a world perhaps never experienced by many of its viewers and pays tribute to Church's own spiritual devotions.
| Alissa's Picks Alissa Ford | Vice President, American & Western Art
William Robinson Leigh Navajo Trader
W.R. Leigh's Navajo Trader is making its first appearance on the market after spending over a century in the care of the same family. It's a remarkable work that speaks to Leigh's deep connection to the rugged landscapes and rich cultures of the American West. With his signature blend of realism and romanticism, Leigh draws us right into the scene, hinting at stories of adventure, hardship, and quiet heroism. At a time when many artists leaned on stereotypes, Leigh made a conscious effort to portray Indigenous peoples with authenticity and dignity. His deep commitment to both figure and landscape gives Navajo Trader an extraordinary honesty—a heartfelt snapshot of a world on the edge of profound change. Technically masterful and emotionally resonant, this painting stands as a quintessential example of Western American art and a lasting tribute to W.R. Leigh's legacy as one of its greatest storytellers.
Ed Mell Drifting Clouds at Sunset
Having grown up in the desert, some of my most vivid memories are filled with images of the wide-open sky—a connection that makes Ed Mell's powerful portrayals of the desert sky resonate deeply with me. We are truly honored to offer four remarkable works by Mell in this auction. My personal favorite, Drifting Clouds at Sunset, is a preliminary piece for a larger 66 x 66-inch version of the same subject. Despite its smaller size, this dynamic work carries the same striking impact. Mell masterfully balances light and shadow, creating sharp contrasts that bring depth to the otherwise flat, geometric planes. His technique lends the piece an almost cinematic quality, as though we are witnessing a dramatic moment unfolding under the weight of a desert storm. Ed Mell passed away on February 21, 2024, at the age of 81-a profound loss to the Western Art world. Known for his warmth, quick wit, and extraordinary creative vision, his legacy lives on through his breathtaking vistas. His spirit continues to shine across the majestic landscapes he so brilliantly captured.
| Ethan's Picks Ethan Diner | Associate Specialist, American Art
Joseph Christian Leyendecker Diving In, The Saturday Evening Post cover, June 8, 1935
In Diving In, Leyendecker distills a fleeting moment of youthful exuberance into a scene of meticulously choreographed grace. In illustrating the three children plunging into the water, their limbs intertwined, the artist composes a kinetic symphony of arcs and angles. The central figure, humorously pinching his nose mid-leap, serves as an engaging narrative anchor, while the elegantly foreshortened figures and repeated visual motifs underscore Leyendecker's extraordinary command of anatomy and compositional design. Leyendecker's stylized concentric ripples further enhance the painting's decorative appeal, subtly invoking the rhythmic precision and ornamental geometry characteristic of the Art Deco movement. Any discussion of this work would be incomplete without mention of its provenance: Diving In comes directly from the personal collection of the esteemed illustrator Michael Dolas (1912-2010), a prominent contemporary of Leyendecker. Dolas's illustrations graced covers and pages of national magazines and accompanied texts by literary icons such as Ernest Hemingway, and the two illustrators were known to have maintained a personal rapport.
Norman Rockwell Marionettes, The Saturday Evening Post cover, October 22, 1932
Originally commissioned as a cover illustration for the October 22, 1932 issue of The Saturday Evening Post, Marionettes exemplifies Rockwell's ability to marry technical precision with emotional nuance. At the center of the composition stands an elderly puppeteer, leaning forward with a mix of intensity and tenderness as he manipulates two eighteenth-century-style marionettes in a theatrical bow. Marionettes encapsulates several central preoccupations of Rockwell's Depression-era work: the celebration of craftsmanship, reverence for labor, and escapism in the context of economic uncertainty. The contrast between the humble, apron-clad figure and the lavishly attired dolls highlights the juxtaposition between the elderly man's humble reality and the ornate make-believe of the puppets he manipulates. The puppeteer's absorbed expression can be viewed as emblematic of the artist himself-one who pulls the strings behind the scenes to breathe life into inert forms, and, in this case, one offering an enthralling, cinematic escape to a public often faced with dire circumstances.
| Julia's Pick Julia Matthiesen | American Art Coordinator & Assistant
Ernie Barnes Sandlot Saints, 1983
A masterclass in narrative American art, Sandlot Saints tells a complete story in a single image. Everywhere you look, there's something new to discover, and the dynamic, flowing quality of Barnes's signature elongated forms guides the eye effortlessly through the composition. The scene's warmth and atmosphere bring it vividly to life-you can almost feel the heat of the day and hear the cheering from the distant stadium.
Charles Wysocki New England Skating Party
New England Skating Party captures the whimsical charm of a winter evening straight out of a fairy tale. Friends and families gather to race, twirl, and sled across the icy scene-a timeless tradition well known by many New Englanders. With his signature attention to detail and masterful composition, Wysocki brings to life the nostalgic Americana that defines his beloved work.
Our May 16 American Art Auction features a meticulously curated selection of outstanding works, showcasing these and other prominent artists. Browse and bid now on these museum-quality pieces. Sincerely,
|  | Aviva Lehmann Senior Vice President, American Art, New York AvivaL@HA.com (212) 486-3530
|  | Liz Goodridge Vice President, West Coast Director, American Art LizG@HA.com (214) 409-3223
|  | Alissa Ford Vice President, American & Western Art AlissaF@HA.com (214) 409-1926
|  | Ethan Diner Associate Specialist, American Art, New York EthanD@HA.com (212) 486-3525
|  | Julia Matthiesen American Art Coordinator & Assistant, New York JuliamM@HA.com (214) 409-3051