On Nov. 17, Heritage Auctionscontinued to prove its strength in the American Art category with a curated event that saw a number of works by Americas beloved artists sell for far above their estimates, broke an auction record, and landed a painting in a prominent East Coast museum. The auction, Views and Visions: Important Works by American Masters SignatureAuction,realized more than $4 million and was led by the sale of a 1914 oil-on-canvas work by Newell Convers Wyeth bringing$567,000. Titled Good-bye, Mistress Friendly-Soul!, The Witch, it was created as the illustration for the frontispiece for Mary Johnstons novel, The Witch, published in 1914, and is afine example of N.C. Wyeths literary illustration work. Another work that soared well above its estimate was a 1897 bronze bust byAugustus Saint-Gaudens modeled from his favorite model, Harriette (Hettie) Eugenia Anderson. Titled Hettie Anderson, first study for the Head of Victory,it was created as a study for Saint-Gaudens figure of Liberty from the Sherman Memorial at the entrance to Central Park in New York City and realized $200,000. An oil-and-acrylic on canvas by Ernie Barnes titled Grooms at Work,to be includedin the forthcoming Barnescatalogue raisonn, outperformed its $30,000-$50,000 estimate to realize $193,750. And a 2002 acrylic-on-canvas byJaune Quick-to-See Smith titled Land Dealflew past its $25,000-$35,000 estimate to realize $125,000. Our classic golden-age illustrations exceeded expectations, with select lots achieving a remarkable ten times their presale estimates,said AvivaLehmann, Heritagessenior vice president of American Art. These outcomes continue to highlight the insatiable demand within the collector community for top-tier illustrations in every category, and Heritage remains their trusted destination to satisfy that demand. Speaking of illustration, a 1960 painting by John Ford Clymer for aSaturday Evening Postcover titledRecess at Pine Creek School, Montanasold for $187,500.Other strong performers included a ca. 1870s painting byAlbert Bierstadt titled Evening, Owens Lake, California, selling for $212,500 and a 1965 tempera-on-panel by George Tooker titled Tree, which sold for $193,750. A painting by Sanford Robinson Gifford, Long Branch Beach, from 1867, sold for $165,000. Of note, Heritage set an auction record for 19thcentury American artistM.Hrburg with the oil-on-canvas Lady Columbia and the Emancipation Proclamation, ca. 1863-75. It sold for $65,625. The painting serves as a striking example of how art and symbolism play a crucial role in shaping public perception and understanding of the Emancipation Proclamation during a pivotal moment in American history. Anda prominent East Coast institutionadded to its collection a 1920 painting by George Bellows titled Blasted Tree and Deserted House for $62,500. The auction featured museum-quality offerings across the spectrum, drawing attention from both the collecting community and esteemed institutions alike, added Lehmann. Our catalog generated immense enthusiasm and garnered praise from collectors, consignors, dealers, advisors and museums, who join us in celebrating American Art as a cornerstone of our countrys history and culture. Complete results forthe auction canbe found atwww.HA.com/8145.