Curated Choices

Fine examples of Western and American art will be offered in Heritage Auctions' May sale in Texas

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Ernie Barnes (1938-2009), Sandlot Football, 1983. Acrylic on canvas, 36 x 60 in., signed lower right: 'Ernie Barnes. Estimate: $300/500,000

May 16, 2025
Heritage Auctions
2801 W. Airport Freeway Dallas, TX 75261 t: [phone]
www.ha.​com

On May 16, Heritage Auctions will host a pair of sales related to American art in Dallas. The star of the day is the American Art Signature Sale, which will feature around 50 works of art that will include Hudson River School works, Golden Age Illustration, sculpture and Western art.

“The 50 lots will be emblematic of American art from throughout the 19th and 20th century,” says Heritage American art specialist Liz Goodridge.

Among the top lots are two Ernie Barnes football works, Sandlot Football (est. $300/500,000) and Hold the Pocket (est. $250/350,000). The pieces, both packed with detail and energy in Barnes' iconic style, come from the collection of John Mecom, the former owner of the New Orleans Saints NFL team. The pieces were special for the artist—Barnes played professional football in the 1960s.