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George Morrison (1919-2000) ranks among the most important Native American modernists of the 20th century. His bold abstractions, often inspired by the landscapes of Lake Superior, bridge Indigenous traditions with mid century avant garde painting.
Because Morrison worked in several media over six decades, values can vary widely. A small ink drawing might fetch a few thousand dollars, while a museum quality oil on canvas can sell for well into six figures. Below is a detailed look at what his work is worth and how to evaluate a piece you may own or hope to buy.
Oil paintings are the most sought after. Works larger than 30 inches, especially from the 1950s to 1970s Horizon Series, routinely bring 75,000 to 200,000 dollars depending on scale and exhibition history.
Smaller canvases under 20 inches usually trade between 15,000 and 60,000 dollars, while mixed media wood collages of similar size average 8,000 to 25,000 dollars. Works on paper, gouache, ink, or pastel, tend to realize 2,000 to 10,000 dollars. Limited edition lithographs and serigraphs often fall in the 800 to 3,000 dollar range if signed and numbered.
Morrison’s auction record was set in 2022 when an untitled 1960 oil measuring 50 × 60 inches realized 252,000 dollars, more than doubling its high estimate. A monumental 1974 wood collage sold the same year for 175,000 dollars, demonstrating strong demand for his sculptural work.
Prices have risen sharply since the Minneapolis Institute of Art 2013 retrospective and Morrison’s 2022 U.S. Postal Service stamp tribute, both of which expanded his audience.
Not every Morrison piece will bring headline numbers. Market value hinges on several tangible and intangible elements.
Start by confirming authenticity. Morrison generally signed with a distinctive block letter hand, often adding the year, but some early works bear initials only. Compare signatures against verified examples and check for exhibition labels, gallery stamps, or original receipts.
Measurements matter. Record dimensions, medium, and support. Photograph the front, back, and any labels before seeking an appraisal. Because Native American artists can fall under NAGPRA or tribal guidelines, documentation is especially important if the work predates 1970.
Demand is strongest in the Upper Midwest and along the East Coast, but online auctions have broadened the collector base. Consigning through a sale that highlights American modernism or Native American art often yields better exposure than a general fine art sale.
If purchasing, request full condition reports and, when possible, view the work under natural light. For sellers, investing in professional photography and a concise provenance statement can add measurable value.
Check databases like AskArt, Artprice, and AuctionResults for hammer prices. Many regional houses publish past catalogues online within days of a sale.
Museum archives, especially the Minnesota Historical Society, often list donated works with dimensions and medium, offering additional benchmarks when public auction data is scarce.
George Morrison’s market has matured rapidly over the past decade, with blue chip institutions and private collectors vying for his most powerful abstractions. While entry level prints remain attainable, top tier paintings now sit firmly in the six figure bracket.
Whether you are looking to buy, sell, or simply understand a work already in your collection, knowing the medium, series, condition, and provenance will help you gauge its true worth in today’s competitive art landscape.
