Gertrude Abercrombie painting bought for $30 headed to auction

A painting purchased for $30 at a Michigan estate sale has been identified as a long-lost work by American surrealist artist Gertrude Abercrombie. The piece, titled ‘Alderman Merriam’s Shells’ (1951), is expected to fetch between $150,000 and $250,000 at an upcoming auction.

The collector discovered the 8-by-11-inch painting in a hallway during an estate sale, noting the inscription ‘Abercrombie, ’51’ in the corner. The authenticity was confirmed by art historian Susan Weininger after the buyer recognized the work in an archival image from a Milwaukee Art Museum exhibition.

Research indicates the painting was originally given to Dr. John Reynolds in exchange for medical services and remained with his family for decades. The work will be offered by Freeman’s auction house in New York on October 1 as part of their Post-War & Contemporary Art sale.