Long-Lost Georgia O’Keeffe Landscape to Be Auctioned in New York

A long-lost landscape by Georgia O’Keeffe, titled Near Abiquiu, New Mexico I, is set to be auctioned at Christie’s New York on 17 November 2026. The painting was recently rediscovered in the closet of a private Manhattan apartment, where it had been stored in its original gallery packing for years. The discovery occurred when the owner, described as extremely private and accomplished, revealed the painting’s existence to her niece earlier in the year. After the owner’s passing, her niece sent photographs of the work to Christie’s, leading to its authentication and inclusion in the upcoming sale.

Near Abiquiu, New Mexico I is considered an important early work by O’Keeffe and is likely the first in a series of three paintings depicting Lobo Peak near Taos Pueblo, New Mexico. The second painting in this series is held by the Metropolitan Museum of Art, while the third is in a private collection that was formerly owned by David and Peggy Rockefeller. This series demonstrates O’Keeffe’s enduring fascination with the New Mexico landscape, which she explored through her modern, abstracted style, emphasizing curving forms, bright sunlight, and a wide range of colors.

The painting is characterized by undulating lines of earth tones and rich impasto, placing viewers in direct engagement with the landscape. O’Keeffe was captivated by the unique qualities of light and air in New Mexico, which she contrasted with the dense atmosphere of New York City. In correspondence with her husband, Alfred Stieglitz, O’Keeffe expressed her admiration for the Lobo Mountain area and her desire to paint it repeatedly.

Following its rediscovery, Near Abiquiu, New Mexico I will be exhibited to the public at Christie’s New York, 20 Rockefeller Center, from 7 to 17 November as part of Marquee Week. The event will also feature works from the collections of Clive Davis, Herbert Lust, Antonio Homem Sonnabend, and others. The painting is expected to be a highlight of the 20th Century Evening Sale, with an estimated value between US$3 million and US$5 million.

The reappearance of this significant early work by O’Keeffe offers collectors and art enthusiasts a rare opportunity to engage with a piece that reflects the artist’s evolving relationship with the New Mexico landscape. Its emergence after decades in obscurity adds to the narrative of O’Keeffe’s legacy and the ongoing interest in her contributions to American modern art.