Long-Lost Georgia O’Keeffe Painting Discovered in a Closet Is Headed to Auction

A long-lost Georgia O’Keeffe painting that was recently rediscovered in the closet of a Manhattan apartment is headed to auction this month as part of Christie’s 20th Century Evening Sale. The 1930 painting, titled Near Abiquiu, New Mexico I, has an estimated value of around $3 million and will make its public debut on November 7 at Rockefeller Center.

“This is a wonderful painting, a remarkable story, and extraordinary opportunity for collectors and the general public alike,” said Tylee Abbott, Senior Specialist and International Director of American Art at Christie’s. “Rediscoveries are rare in the well-established market for academically researched and highly revered historic American artists. To uncover a seminal work, representative of this 20th-century master’s deep personal engagement with the landscape, a pillar of her career, which is exquisitely rendered and well preserved, is a once-in-a-lifetime moment, and absolutely thrilling.”

According to Christie’s, the story goes that an “extremely private,” accomplished woman casually mentioned to a niece visiting her East Village apartment that there was an O’Keeffe in the closet. The signed artwork had been gifted to the anonymous woman in 1963 by her mother, who had purchased it for $3,800 at The Downtown Gallery on 51st Street.

The woman had it displayed in her home until the 1980s, but then stored it back in its original box behind coats in the closet after a guest was allegedly caught “eyeing it a bit too closely.” The painting is believed to be the first in a series of three works by O’Keeffe featuring Lolo Peak in New Mexico. The second is at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the third is in a private collection.

Now, this rediscovered painting will be on view November 7-17, and is sure to be a highlight of Christie’s New York Marquee Week.