DALLAS, TEXAS — Birger Sandzén’s “Lake at Sunset, Colorado,” 1921 — a tour de force by “the American Van Gogh” — sold May 7 for a record $670,000 in Heritage Auctions’ American art auction.

Having been held by a Midwest Institution since 1923 when it was purchased from the artist who was then at the height of his career, this masterwork led a $4.43 million offering of works that comprised a strong selection of California, Western and illustration art.

Western Art claimed the auction’s top lot honors as “Indian Rider,” 1918 — a singular example of William Robinson Leigh’s use of dramatic movement, bold color and compositional integrity — sold for $394,000; while Sandzén’s “Near the Timberline, Rocky Mountains, Colorado,” circa 1919, realized $346,000.

Another highlight was a rare work by Norman Rockwell: the original promotional art for the 1960 Jerry Lewis film Cinderfella, making its auction debut. Consigned directly from Lewis’ collection since Rockwell presented it to him in 1960, this original work achieved $250,000. All prices given include the buyer’s premium.

A full review of the auction will appear in a future issue of Antiqes And The Arts Weekly.