Karl E. Fortess Paintings & Artwork for Sale | Karl E. Fortess Art Value Price Guide

Mar. 05, 2025
Karl Eugene Fortess, 1907-1995, Still Life, Lithograph
Est: $100 - $200
Karl Eugene Fortess 1907-1995 Still Life Lithograph Signed in pencil l.r. and numbered 9/20 l.l.
Nye & Company
Dec. 08, 2024
KARL FORTESS (AMERICAN, 1907 - 1993)
Est: $100 - $200
"Maine"; n.d.; Graphite on Paper; 8.25" x 15"; Signed Lower Right; Framed (under glass).
James Cox Gallery
Dec. 08, 2024
KARL FORTESS (AMERICAN, 1907 - 1993)
Est: $200 - $400
"The Red Barn"; c. 1970; Oil on Canvas; 8.5" x 15.75"; Signed Lower Left; Framed.
James Cox Gallery
Aug. 28, 2024
Karl Eugene Fortess
Est: $200 - $400
American, 1907-1995 Surrealist Landscape, circa 1980 Signed K. Fortess (ll); numbered 96-E01-61 on the canvas overlap Oil on canvas 45 x 23 inches (114.3 x 58.4 cm)
DOYLE Auctioneers & Appraisers
Jun. 06, 2024
KARL E. FORTESS (BELGIAN - WOODSTOCK NY, 1907-1993)
Est: $50 - $150
Lithograph on paper. Signed bottom right, and editioned bottom left. 15 x 11"; 25 1//2 x 20 1/2" (overall). Framed.
Vallot Auctioneers
May. 08, 2024
Karl Eugene Fortess, New York, Massachusetts / Belgium (1907-1993), The Fives, lithograph, 23"H x 17 1/2"W (sheet)
Est: $50 - $100
Karl Eugene Fortess New York, Massachusetts / Belgium, (1907-1993) The Fives lithograph Signed lower right, titled lower middle, numbered 29/95 lower left. Biography from Butler Institute of American Art: Karl Fortess studied at the Art Institute of Chicago and the Art Students League. His work is has a surrealist bent and is most often identified as of the Woodstock School. Fortess has had his artworks exhibited at the Museum of Modern Art, Whitney Museum of Art, Metropolitan Museum, Woodstock Art Association, Boston Art Museum, and Carnegie Institute. He was awarded the Guggenheim Fellowship in 1946, the Childe Hassam Fund purchase award in 1952, and many other juried prizes during his career. In addition to working as a WPA artist and administrator, Fortess taught at the Art Students League, Brooklyn Museum Art School, and Boston University.
Ripley Auctions
May. 08, 2024
Karl Eugene Fortess, New York, Massachusetts / Belgium (1907-1993), Fallen Tree, lithograph, 12 7/8"H x 17 1/4"W (sheet)
Est: $80 - $120
Karl Eugene Fortess New York, Massachusetts / Belgium, (1907-1993) Fallen Tree lithograph Signed lower right, numbered 17/25 lower left. Biography from Butler Institute of American Art: Karl Fortess studied at the Art Institute of Chicago and the Art Students League. His work is has a surrealist bent and is most often identified as of the Woodstock School. Fortess has had his artworks exhibited at the Museum of Modern Art, Whitney Museum of Art, Metropolitan Museum, Woodstock Art Association, Boston Art Museum, and Carnegie Institute. He was awarded the Guggenheim Fellowship in 1946, the Childe Hassam Fund purchase award in 1952, and many other juried prizes during his career. In addition to working as a WPA artist and administrator, Fortess taught at the Art Students League, Brooklyn Museum Art School, and Boston University.
Ripley Auctions
Jan. 20, 2024
Karl Eugene Fortess (American,1907-1993) Untitled, Signed in pencil and annotated 14/P, Lithograph, Sheet-12 5/8" x 17 1/2', matted, unframed.
Est: $300 - $500
Karl Eugene Fortess (American,1907-1993) Untitled, Signed in pencil and annotated 14/P, Lithograph, Sheet-12 5/8" x 17 1/2', matted, unframed.
Auction Gallery of the Palm Beaches
Oct. 07, 2023
Karl Eugene Fortess, New York, Massachusetts / Belgium (1907-1993), Monuments With Hill, oil on canvas, 14"H x 20"W
Est: $200 - $400
Karl Eugene Fortess New York, Massachusetts / Belgium, (1907-1993) Monuments With Hill oil on canvas Signed lower left. Biography from Butler Institute of American Art: Karl Fortess studied at the Art Institute of Chicago and the Art Students League. His work is has a surrealist bent and is most often identified as of the Woodstock School. Fortess has had his artworks exhibited at the Museum of Modern Art, Whitney Museum of Art, Metropolitan Museum, Woodstock Art Association, Boston Art Museum, and Carnegie Institute. He was awarded the Guggenheim Fellowship in 1946, the Childe Hassam Fund purchase award in 1952, and many other juried prizes during his career. In addition to working as a WPA artist and administrator, Fortess taught at the Art Students League, Brooklyn Museum Art School, and Boston University.
Ripley Auctions
Jul. 22, 2023
Four Piece Still Life Framed Lot, to include Karl Fortess (Belgian/American 1907 - 1992), oil on canvas, 1987, "Quince", initial "OF" lower left, with description label on reverse, 14" x 10", along with,, three Eric J...
Est: $200 - $300
Four Piece Still Life Framed Lot to include Karl Fortess (Belgian/American 1907 - 1992) oil on canvas 1987 "Quince" initial "OF" lower left with description label on reverse 14" x 10" along with, three Eric Justen Watercolors each 8 1/2" x 10 1/2"
Nadeau's Auction Gallery
Apr. 12, 2023
Karl Eugene Fortess, American (1907 - 1993)
Est: $300 - $500
Karl Eugene Fortess, American (1907 - 1993) "Landscape Scene with Trees" Oil on Canvas, Signed Lower Left. Measures 28-1/8" x 23". Frame measures 34-3/4" x 29-1/2". Estimate: $300.00 - $500.00 Domestic Shipping: Third party Condition: Good condition.
Kodner Galleries
May. 23, 2021
KARL FORTESS (1907 - 1993)
Est: $60 - $90
LOT OF TWO: A. "Untitled - Woodstock Artists - Edition 5/25"; c. 190; Lithograph; 8.75" x 13.5"; Signed Lower Right / B. "Untitled - Edition 2/10"; c. 1960; Lithograph; 8" x 11.25"; Signed Lower Right
James Cox Gallery
Oct. 10, 2020
KARL EUGENE FORTESS (1907-1993, NY, MA, BELGIUM)
Est: $100 - $150
OIL PAINTING ON MASONITE BOARD, DEPICTING A BARREN LANDSCAPE WITH A TREE IN THE FOREGROUND. SIGNED LOWER LEFT. SIGHT SIZE 9 1/2" X 7 1/2", OVERALL 15" X 13". IN A 1970S DRIFTWOOD AND LOOSE WEAVE LINEN FRAME.
Marion Antique Auctions
Apr. 30, 2020
KARL EUGENE FORTESS, American (1907-1993), "Incident", oil on canvas, signed "K. Fortess" lower left, 40 x 30 inches
Est: $300 - $500
KARL EUGENE FORTESS American (1907-1993), "Incident" oil on canvas, signed "K. Fortess" lower left 40 x 30 inches Provenance: A gift from the artist to artist Ben Moss (American,1936-2019) his pupil. Other Notes: The artist's label is on the reverse. Framed dimensions - 44 5/8 x 34 5/8 x 2 1/2 inches Tags: oil painting, modern / contemporary, surrealist, 20th century
Shannon's
Apr. 30, 2020
KARL EUGENE FORTESS, American (1907-1993), Tree with Frames and Sign, oil on canvas, signed "F. Fortess" lower right, 30 x 14 inches
Est: $200 - $300
KARL EUGENE FORTESS American (1907-1993) Tree with Frames and Sign oil on canvas, signed "F. Fortess" lower right 30 x 14 inches Provenance: A gift from the artist to artist Ben Moss (American,1936-2019) his pupil. Other Notes: Tags: oil painting, surrealist, 20th century
Shannon's
Jan. 23, 2020
KARL EUGENE FORTESS, American (1907-1993), Tree with Frames and Sign, oil on canvas, signed "F. Fortess" lower right, 30 x 14 inches
Est: $600 - $800
KARL EUGENE FORTESS American (1907-1993) Tree with Frames and Sign oil on canvas, signed "F. Fortess" lower right unframed 30 x 14 inches Provenance: A gift from the artist to artist Ben Moss (American,1936-2019) his pupil. Other Notes: Tags: oil painting, surrealist, 20th century
Shannon's
Jan. 23, 2020
KARL EUGENE FORTESS, American (1907-1993), "Incident", oil on canvas, signed "K. Fortess" lower left, 40 x 30 inches
Est: $800 - $1,200
KARL EUGENE FORTESS American (1907-1993) "Incident" oil on canvas, signed "K. Fortess" lower left Framed dimensions - 44 5/8 x 34 5/8 x 2 1/2 inches 40 x 30 inches Provenance: A gift from the artist to artist Ben Moss (American,1936-2019) his pupil. Other Notes: The artist's label is on the reverse. Tags: oil painting, modern / contemporary, surrealist, 20th century
Shannon's
Aug. 26, 2019
Karl Fortess ROCK SERIES Graphite Drawing
Est: $150 - $250
Karl Eugene Fortess (American,1907-1993). Original graphite and sepia conte drawing, signed by the Woodstock School artist, Karl E. Fortess. Rock Series 3. Graphite on paper. Dimensions: 20 in. x 15 in. Condition: good original condition. Provenance: Woodstock, New York estate.
Kensington Estate Auctions
Aug. 01, 2019
Karl Eugene Fortess Signed Lithograph [Cityscape]
Est: $40 - $80
Karl Eugene Fortess (New York, Massachusetts, Belgium 1907 - 1993) signed lithograph. Signed 'K. Fortess' in pencil lower right. Number '2/28' in pencil lower left. Title 'Cityscape'. Ed. 28. Measures 13.375-in. x 8.5-in. image size, 18-in. x 13-in. sheet size. In VG/EX condition. Unframed, loose and not mounted or glued down. If lot is absent of a condition report a condition report may be requested via email. Condition report is provided as an opinion only and is no guarantee as grading can be subjective. Buyer must view photographs or scans to assist in determining condition and ask further questions if so desired. We ship most items in this auction in house and gladly combine shipping if possible of multiple items.
Grant Zahajko Auctions, LLC
Dec. 13, 2018
Karl Eugene Fortess Signed Lithographs (2)
Est: $75 - $150
Karl Eugene Fortess (1907 - 1993) group of two pencil signed lithographs. Both pencil signed "K. Fortess" lower right. 1) Titled "Black Cloud" and numbered "14/14" lower left. Measures 16" x 11 3/8" sheet size. Tape at top edge corners. 2) Untitled. Numbered "8/20" lower left. Measures 12" x 16" sheet size. 1" staining at sheet edge surround.. Unframed, loose and not glued or mounted. Provenance: Amity Art Foundation, Inc. collection. We ship most items in this auction in house and gladly combine shipping if possible of multiple items.
Grant Zahajko Auctions, LLC
Dec. 13, 2018
Group of Two WPA Era Lithographs Various Artists
Est: $50 - $100
Group of two WPA era lithographs, one by Karl Eugene Fortess (American 1907 - 1993), and one illegibly signed. Both pencil signed lower right. Karl Fortess numbered 1/22 and measures 12.75" x 7.75" image size, 14" x 8-7/8" sheet size. Illegibly signed print numbered 8/12 and measures 8" x 10" image size, 10-1/8" x 12.5" sheet size. Both unframed, loose and not mounted or glued down. Provenance: Amity Art Foundation, Inc. collection. We ship most items in this auction in house and gladly combine shipping if possible of multiple items.
Grant Zahajko Auctions, LLC
Aug. 16, 2018
Karl Fortess Lithograph
Est: $75 - $150
Karl Fortess original pencil signed lithograph. Signed in pencil "Karl Fortess" lower right. Numbered "25/25" in pencil lower left. Measures 12 5/8" x 16 1/2" (sheet size). Excellent to Ex+/Near Mint condition. Unframed, loose and not mounted or glued down. Provenance: Amity Art Foundation, Inc. collection. We ship all items in this auction in-house with the most fair shipping charges possible.
Grant Zahajko Auctions, LLC
Aug. 16, 2018
Karl Fortess Lithograph
Est: $100 - $200
Karl Fortess original pencil signed lithograph. Signed in pencil "Karl Fortess" lower right. Titled in pencil "Abstract Landscape" lower left sheet corner. Numbered "21/25" in pencil lower left. Measures 15 1/4" x 13 1/8" (sheet size). Very good to excellent/excellent condition. Sheet has tape residue at top corners only. Unframed, loose and not mounted or glued down. Provenance: Amity Art Foundation, Inc. collection. We ship all items in this auction in-house with the most fair shipping charges possible.
Grant Zahajko Auctions, LLC
Aug. 16, 2018
Karl Fortess Lithograph
Est: $75 - $150
Karl Fortess original pencil signed lithograph. Signed in pencil "Karl Fortess" lower right. Titled in pencil "K.C. Courthouse" lower center. Numbered "16/ED" in pencil lower left. Measures 12" x 16" (sheet size). Excellent to Ex+/Near Mint condition. Unframed, loose and not mounted or glued down. Provenance: Amity Art Foundation, Inc. collection. We ship all items in this auction in-house with the most fair shipping charges possible.
Grant Zahajko Auctions, LLC
May. 17, 2018
Karl Eugene Fortess (1907 - 1993) Oil on Canvas
Est: $300 - $500
Driftwood on Beach, signed lower left. Image size seen approx. 32" x 24". When bidding on items that are framed, we are auctioning the artwork alone, and consider the frame to be a bonus. Weiss Auctions will not be responsible for any damage to the frame that is present or may occur during shipping. Contact us if you wish to have the frame removed prior to shipping which may help to reduce the cost.
Weiss Auctions
May. 17, 2018
Karl Eugene Fortess (1907 - 1993) Oil on Canvas
Est: $300 - $500
Farm & Mountain Scene landscape, signed lower left. Image size seen approx. 15.5" x 9.5". When bidding on items that are framed, we are auctioning the artwork alone, and consider the frame to be a bonus. Weiss Auctions will not beresponsible for any damage to the frame that is present or may occur during shipping. Contact us if you wish to have the frame removed prior to shipping which may help to reduce the cost.
Weiss Auctions
Apr. 08, 2018
Karl Eugene Fortess, (American, 1907-1993), Circus Performer, oil on canvas laid to board, 31" x 19 1/4"
Est: $500 - $700
Karl Eugene Fortess (American, 1907-1993) Circus Performer oil on canvas laid to board signed lower right 31" x 19 1/4"
Toomey & Co. Auctioneers
Dec. 07, 2017
Karl Eugene Fortess (Belgian/American, 1907-1993) "Fire Island"
Est: $500 - $800
Signed lower left, K. Fortess. Oil on canvas.
Cottone Auctions
Dec. 02, 2017
Karl Eugene Fortess, (American, 1907-1993), Buzzard's Roost, oil on canvas, 24" x 42"
Est: $400 - $600
Karl Eugene Fortess (American, 1907-1993) Buzzard's Roost oil on canvas signed lower left 24" x 42" Provenance: Smith College Museum of Art, Northampton, Massachusetts (label on verso)
Toomey & Co. Auctioneers
Aug. 16, 2017
Karl Eugene Fortess American, 1907-1995 Surrealist Landscape, circa 1980
Est: $200 - $400
Karl Eugene Fortess American, 1907-1995 Surrealist Landscape, circa 1980 Signed K. Fortess (ll); numbered 96-E01-61 on the canvas overlap Oil on canvas 45 x 23 inches C
DOYLE Auctioneers & Appraisers
Dec. 03, 2016
Karl Eugene Fortess, (American, 1907-1993), Landscape with Ruins, oil on canvas, 15.5" x 27.5"
Est: $500 - $700
Karl Eugene Fortess (American, 1907-1993) Landscape with Ruins oil on canvas signed lower left 15.5" x 27.5"
Toomey & Co. Auctioneers
Apr. 17, 2016
KARL FORTESS, Untitled, 7/10, Lithograph & JOHN GREGORY, signed photo print card
Est: $100 - $200
KARL FORTESS, Untitled, 7/10, Lithograph & JOHN GREGORY, signed photo print card
Bakker Auctions
Apr. 26, 2015
Karl Eugene Fortess "Landscape" Charcoal/Ink
Est: $200 - $400
Karl Eugene Fortess (American, 1907-1993), "Landscape" charcoal, ink on paper, initialed lower right. Framed, not examined out of frame. Sight size: 15 1/2" high, 19 3/4" wide. Frame size: 18 1/2" high, 22 3/4" wide. Condition: small scattered spots.
Schwenke Auctioneers
Feb. 25, 2014
Karl Fortess, American, 1907-1993, The Rock, o/masonite, 24" x 15"
Est: $400 - $800
Karl Fortess, American, 1907-1993, The Rock, o/masonite, 24" x 15"
William Bunch Auctions & Appraisals
Dec. 07, 2013
Karl Eugene Fortess
Est: $300 - $500
Karl Eugene Fortess (American, 1907-1993) "Over Pass," 1934, oil on board, 13" x 22", signed lower left, acquired directly from the artist in 1987, framed
Toomey & Co. Auctioneers
Dec. 07, 2013
Karl Eugene Fortess
Est: $400 - $600
Karl Eugene Fortess (American, 1907-1993) "Windmill," 1938, oil on board, 14" x 21", signed lower left, acquired directly from the artist in 1987, framed
Toomey & Co. Auctioneers
May. 05, 2012
Karl Eugene Fortess
Est: $600 - $800
American, 1907 –1993; “Truro”; Oil on canvas, framed; 20” x 26”
Material Culture
Apr. 11, 2012
Karl Eugene Fortess (American, 1907-1993) Untitled (Portrait), c. 1973. Signed "K. Fortess" within the composition l.l., identified ...
Est: $400 - $600
Karl Eugene Fortess (American, 1907-1993) Untitled (Portrait), c. 1973. Signed "K. Fortess" within the composition l.l., identified on labels from the artist and Jo Aarons Gallery, Rhinebeck, New York, on the reverse. Oil on canvas, 36 x 24 in., framed. Condition: Minor abrasions. Provenance: Estate of Jonas Aarons, New York. N.B. According to the artist's label on the reverse, this work is the third and final version of this composition.
Skinner
Jan. 12, 2011
Karl Eugene Fortess American, 1907-1995 Surrealist Landscape, circa 1980
Est: $1,000 - $1,500
Karl Eugene Fortess American, 1907-1995 Surrealist Landscape, circa 1980 Signed K. Fortess (ll); numbered 96-E01-61 on the canvas overlap Oil on canvas 45 x 23 inches
DOYLE Auctioneers & Appraisers
Jan. 12, 2011
Karl Eugene Fortess American, 1907-1995 Rural Ruin, 1980-81
Est: $1,000 - $1,500
Karl Eugene Fortess American, 1907-1995 Rural Ruin, 1980-81 Signed K. Fortess (ll); dated on a label affixed to the reverse Oil on canvas 29 x 35 inches
DOYLE Auctioneers & Appraisers
Jan. 08, 2010
Winter Lemon by Karl Fortess (American, 1907-1993)
Est: $200 - $400
Winter Lemon by Karl Fortess (American, 1907-1993) Oil on canvas, signed on verso label; 10 x 12 in. Good condition.
Cowan's Auctions
Sep. 11, 2009
Karl Eugene Fortess (American, 1907-1993) Old Apple Tree Signed "K. Fortess" l.l., tit...
Est: $300 - $500
Karl Eugene Fortess (American, 1907-1993) Old Apple Tree Signed "K. Fortess" l.l., titled and signed "...K.E. Fortess" in pencil with a New York State WPA Art Program presentation plaque on the stretchers. Oil on canvas, 15 1/8 x 28 1/8 in. (38.4 x 71.4 cm), framed. Condition: Surface grime, craquelure, flaking, losses, retouch, pigment fluorescence.
Skinner
Jun. 29, 2009
FORTESS, KARL EUGENE (AMERICAN, NY, 1907- 1993)
Est: $200 - $300
KARL EUGENE FORTESS (AMERICAN, NY, 1907- 1993) Oil on canvas. Tombstone. Dedicated and signed lower left (For Howard- Karl). 12 x 8." From the estate of the artist Howard Mandel.
Braswell Galleries
Jun. 18, 2009
KARL FORTESS Surrealist Landscape.
Est: $600 - $900
KARL FORTESS Surrealist Landscape. Brush and ink and gouache on cream wove paper, circa 1940. 777x577 mm; 30 5/8x22 3/4 inches. Signed in ink, lower right.
Swann Auction Galleries
Apr. 02, 2006
FORTESS, KARL EUGENE
Est: $800 - $1,200
Oil on board. "Portrait with Lemons." Signed upper left. Dated 1981 on label on verso. 12 x 20." (b.1907).
Stamford Auction
Apr. 02, 2006
FORTESS, KARL EUGENE
Est: $100 - $150
Lithograph. "Tanks and Trees." Pencil signed lower right, titled lower center. 15.5 x 9.75" mat cut. (1907-1995). From the estate of the artist Howard Mandel. Mat burn along right side.
Stamford Auction
Apr. 02, 2006
FORTESS, KARL EUGENE
Est: $350 - $500
Oil on canvas. Composition with signs and art. Monogrammed lower right. 16 x 8." (1907-1995). From the estate of the artist Howard Mandel.
Stamford Auction
Apr. 02, 2006
FORTESS, KARL EUGENE
Est: $250 - $350
Oil on canvas. "Eye-Double Pear." Monogrammed lower left, label and date 1987 on verso.12 x 8." (1907-1995). From the estate of the artist Howard Mandel.
Stamford Auction