Friday, December 26, 2014

WILLIAM GROPPER at AUCTION

Throughout his life, William Gropper used his artistic talents to protest social injustice. Born in New York City, he grew up there in poverty and left high school to work as a dishwasher and delivery boy. He eventually began a career in art and was able to study with Robert Henri and George Bellows from 1912 to 1915. He adopted their realistic painting style, and his own work expressed sympathy for common laborers and outrage at society's ills.
Beginning in 1919 Gropper established a reputation as a political cartoonist working for the New York Tribune. His blunt, forceful style attracted the attention of other publications, and he provided illustrations and cartoons for a variety of magazines, from the left-wing New Masses to mainstream Vanity Fair. Like many social realist artists of the 1930s, Gropper supported liberal political causes, depicting subjects such as the plight of migrant laborers and striking factory workers.
Gropper was skilled in lithography and painting as well as cartooning, but did not exhibit his paintings until the 1930s. He also painted several government-sponsored murals.

Bonhams




William Gropper (American, 1897-1977) 
A Western Landscape with Figures 
23 1/2 x 43 1/2in
Sold for US$ 9,600




William Gropper (1897-1977) 
Eight-button Gloves 
16 x 20in
Sold for US$ 3,585 





William Gropper (1897-1977) 
Senate Speech 
25 3/4 x 19 3/4in
Sold for US$ 3,585




William Gropper (American, 1897-1977); 
Red Calvary;
US$ 300 - 500

William Gropper (American, 1897-1977) 
A cowboy
Sold for £72 (US$ 111)

Sotheby's




WILLIAM GROPPER
PIOUS MAN



LOT SOLD. 1,500






WILLIAM GROPPER 1897-1977

THE OLD TYCOON

Estimate   5,000 — 7,000
Lot Sold   18,000



Skinner





Sold for:
$86


Sold for:
$3,645



Sold for:
$356



Sold for:
$206



Sold for:
$441



Sold for:

$353


Christie’s 2013




Christie’s 2011





Christie’s 2009








Christie’s 2002









More Christie's




Art Auction 
PRICE REALIZED
$56,250



The Hearing 
PRICE REALIZED
$11,875



Art Patron 
PRICE REALIZED
$10,000



The Politician 
PRICE REALIZED
$3,750



Old Country 
PRICE REALIZED
$2,000