On the Rise

Swann Auction hosts its African American sale, highlighting artists that have been historically overlooked

Collector's and institutions alike look to Swann's sales for "exceptional quality," says Nigel Freeman, Swann's vice president and head of fine art. The African American Art sale, held biannually, is no exception. Swann prepares for another compelling fall edition, opening October 3 in Swann's New York showroom with 225 lots to choose from.

"We continue to see strong interest in the African American Art sale category," Freeman says. "There are many sections of its auction market where market value is still being realized and underappreciated artists are rising. Found across the many areas of this broad sale category, is art from the 19th century to the Harlem Renaissance; from Post-War to contemporary." Freeman also shares that the highlights of the sale are scarce and exemplary-highly desirable in the current auction market. Made available are a handful of figures in marble by sculptor and printmaker Elizabeth Catlett (1915-2012). "We expect strong interest following recent significant sales of her artworks and with her major retrospective opening this fall at the Brooklyn Museum," says Freeman.