African American Art

Founded by Nigel Freeman in 2006, the African American Art department handles a range of material spanning the late nineteenth century to the Harlem Renaissance, as well as work from modern and contemporary African American artists. Sales consistently break auction records for well-known artists and establish records for artists with no previous auction history.

Top lots in this department set record prices for several artists, including Feral Benga, cast in 1986, by Richmond Barthé, which sold for $629,000; Elizabeth Catlett’s Head, 1943, for $485,000; Hughie Lee-Smith’s Aftermath, circa 1960, for $365,000, and Benny Andrews’ Time for Church, 1999, which reached $203,000.

Swann pioneered the market for artists such as Sam Gilliam and Barkley Hendricks and leads the market in works by John Biggers, Aaron Douglas, Norman Lewis, Faith Ringgold, Carrie Mae Weems, Charles White, Elizabeth Catlett, Beauford Delaney, and Hale Woodruff. 

Notable single-owner auctions for the department include the Art Collection of Dr. Maya Angelou, the collections of the Golden State Mutual Life Insurance Company, and the Johnson Publishing Company, Swann's first white glove auction. 

Swann remains the only major auction house with a team dedicated to African American Art. For nearly 20 years, our sales have been followed closely by top collectors and curators around the world.