Big Price for Small Painting in Boston

Detail of the Thomas Moran landscape which reached $209,500.

BOSTON, MASS. -- A Thomas Moran (American, 1837-1926) landscape of lands now in Yellowstone Park sold for $209,500 at Skinner's American and Europe Painting Auction this past weekend.

Although the work was estimated at $40/60,000, two crossing absentee bids forced an opening bid of $150,000. Bidders in the gallery and on the phones then entered the competition before a phone bidder won the prize. The gouache and watercolor was executed on gray paper and the frame inscribed, "...one of three done for Alfred W Dana (Alfred F. Smith) in 1871(?) when on 1st US Geol Survey of Yellow Stone...)" The image possibly depicts the Mammoth Hot Springs area.

Skinner art specialist Colleene Fesko told correspondent Bob Jackman, "It is a little gem that captured a big, beautiful Yellowstone view," noting the small size (83/8 by 115/8 inches).

A complete review will appear in a future issue.