Robert Swain Gifford Paintings & Artwork for Sale | Robert Swain Gifford Art Value Price Guide

Mar. 30, 2025
ROBERT SWAIN GIFFORD - Coal Pockets at New Bedford
Est: $120 - $150
ROBERT SWAIN GIFFORD (American, 1840-1905) "Coal Pockets at New Bedford, Massachusetts" 1879 - Etching on Japanese paper. Signed in plate only lower right, dated in plate lower right. Unframed. Image is 7 x 5 inches, sheet is 10.25 x 7.75 inches. Very good condition, typical wear, tipped onto backing along the top paper edge only. This image is also in the permanent collection of the National Gallery of Art (Washington), Museum of Fine Arts Boston, Toledo Museum of Art, Syracuse University, Harvard Art Museum and the National Museum of American History.
Saskatchewan Network for Art Collecting
Mar. 12, 2025
Gifford (Robert, 1840-1905). Continental Village, oil on canvas
Est: £700 - £1,000
Gifford (Robert, 1840-1905). Continental Village, oil on canvas * Gifford (Robert, 1840-1905). Continental Village, oil on canvas, some craquelure, 31.4 x 44.3 cm (12 3/8 x 17 3/8 ins), decorative moulded gilt frame (44.5 x 58 cm), Cooling Galleries label and older label obscured by tape to verso QTY: (1)
Dominic Winter Auctions
Jan. 20, 2025
Gifford, Soderberg, etc, three seaside prints; Robert Swain Gifford (American, 1840 - 1905), etching, "The Path by the Shore", signed in plate, framed and matted behind glass, inscriptions verso, 5 1/2" x 8 1/2", a Y....
Est: $125 - $225
Gifford, Soderberg, etc, three seaside prints; Robert Swain Gifford (American, 1840 - 1905), etching, "The Path by the Shore", signed in plate, framed and matted behind glass, inscriptions verso, 5 1/2" x 8 1/2", a Y.E. Soderberg etching, "Buoy Room", racing sailboats, pencil signed, matted no frame, significant surface loss along left half, 11 1/2" x 14 1/2"; and last, a color print, sailboats near shore with birch trees, monogrammed S.A.M. lower left, matted, no frame, 14 1/4" x 18 1/2".
Winter Associates, Inc.
Jan. 01, 2025
Robert Swain Gifford (American 1840-1905), Shipwreck on Mount Desert Island, Maine, 1887, Oil on canvas, Signature faintly visible lower right R.Swa_ Gifford 1887, 20" x 30", Condition: does not appear to be relined, ...
Est: $1,500 - $3,000
Robert Swain Gifford (American 1840-1905) Shipwreck on Mount Desert Island, Maine, 1887 Oil on canvas Signature faintly visible lower right R.Swa_ Gifford 1887 20" x 30" Condition: does not appear to be relined, visible paint loss to the right, repaired horizontal abrasion to sky, edge ware, surface grime, restored in 1971
Nadeau's Auction Gallery
Dec. 07, 2024
Robert Swain Gifford (1840-1905)
Est: $800 - $1,300
Watercolor "Buttonwood", signed lower left. Sight size 5 1/2" x 9". In a new high quality gilded frame with UV glass. Overall 13 1/2" x 17 1/2".
Marion Antique Auctions
Dec. 07, 2024
Robert Swain Gifford (1840-1905)
Est: $1,500 - $2,000
watercolor, Barney's Joy, signed lower left and dated 1891. Sight size 7 1/4" x 13". In a new high quality gilded frame with UV glass and linen mat. Overall 15" x 21".
Marion Antique Auctions
Dec. 07, 2024
Robert Swain Gifford (1840-1905)
Est: $1,000 - $1,500
watercolor, Bedouin Warriors at a watering hole, signed lower left and dated 1875. Sight size 9" x 13". In a high quality gilded frame with UV glass, overall 15 1/4" x 19 1/2". Provenance: Barridoff Galleries Auction, July 1981. Also exhibited at New Bedford Whaling Museum, Oct. 1988.
Marion Antique Auctions
Dec. 04, 2024
Antique (5) Etchings [Robert Swain Gifford]
Est: $50 - $100
Five (5) antique etchings by Robert Swain Gifford (American 1840-1905); Henry Farrer (American 1843-1903); an others. Images measure 3.25 in. to 4.25 in. x 5.75 in. to 7.75 in. Sheets measure 8 in. x 10.875 in. Unframed, loose and not glued or mounted. Provenance: Estate collection of William Greenbaum, Gloucester, Massachusetts, Proprietor of William Greenbaum Fine Prints. If lot is absent of a condition report one may be requested via email. Condition report is provided as an opinion only and is no guarantee as condition can be subjective. Buyer must view photographs or scans to assist in determining condition and ask further questions if so desired. Our in-house shipping department will gladly pack and ship any item that fits into a 14x14x14 inch or 30x5x24 inch or equivalent or smaller box/folio if it is not fragile or over 25lbs. We will charge for labor to pack and process based on actual time it takes, actual cost of materials used to pack and actual shipper charges that will include insurance and signature required. We generally use USPS and Fed Ex and compare the pricing between the two. Books maximum box size will be 14x14x14 inch or equivalent and will be shipped USPS Media Mail unless otherwise requested. We gladly will give shipping estimates prior to auction. Please make this request at least 24 hours prior to auction for our shipping department to respond. If your invoice is for multiple items, we will use our discretion on requiring the use of an outside shipper. We reserve the right to require an outside shipper on any item(s) in the auction even if not stated.
Grant Zahajko Auctions, LLC
Nov. 08, 2024
ROBERT SWAIN GIFFORD (1840-1905) PAINTING, IMPRESSIONIST CREEK LANDSCAPE
Est: $100 - $300
Framed oil on panel painting, Forest Creek Landscape, signed lower left R.S. Gifford (Robert Swain Gifford, New York, Massachusetts, 1840-1905), sight: approx 10.5"h, 9.5"w, overall: approx 15.5"h, 14.5"w, 2.25lbs
Austin Auction Gallery
Nov. 04, 2024
Robert Swain Gifford (American, 1840 - 1905), Landscape, watercolor on paper, summer field with hills in distance, signed and dated 1881 lower right, framed and matted behind glass, wear consistent with age including ...
Est: $300 - $500
Robert Swain Gifford (American, 1840 - 1905), Landscape, watercolor on paper, summer field with hills in distance, signed and dated 1881 lower right, framed and matted behind glass, wear consistent with age including light foxing in sky, waving of paper, ss: 19" h. x 13 1/2" w.
Winter Associates, Inc.
Sep. 22, 2024
RS GIFFORD (ATTR) MEN IN BOAT PAINTING
Est: $700 - $900
Fine antique oil painting on wood panel depicting 2 men hauling in catch in rowboat, unsigned but attributed to RS Gifford. 4.5 x 5.75 in, framed 8 x 9.5 in. Found recently in a home in New Bedford. (Robert Swain Gifford 1840 - 1905 was active/lived in New York, Massachusetts. Known for marine and landscape painting, he spent a lot of time in New Bedford, Fairhaven and So. Dartmouth).
Americana Auctions
Sep. 13, 2024
Robert Swain Gifford (American, 1840-1905) Fort Sumter
Est: $1,000 - $1,500
Robert Swain Gifford (American, 1840-1905) Fort Sumter watercolor on paper titled and inscribed Charleston, S.C. (lower center) 4 1/2 x 7 inches. This lot is located in Chicago. Property from The Private Collection of Ms. Darla Moore, Charleston, South Carolina
Freeman’s | Hindman
Sep. 07, 2024
R. Swain Gifford (1840-1905)
Est: $200 - $300
South Dartmouth, MA artist, etching depicting Padanaram Saltworks, signed lower left, dated 1883, sight size 8 1/4" x 11 3/4, overall with frame 18" x 22. Good condition.
Marion Antique Auctions
Jul. 26, 2024
ATTRIBUTED TO ROBERT SWAIN GIFFORD (New York/Massachusetts, 1840-1905), Shipwreck on the shore., Oil on canvas, 20" x 30". Framed 28" x 38".
Est: $3,000 - $5,000
ATTRIBUTED TO ROBERT SWAIN GIFFORD New York/Massachusetts, 1840-1905 Shipwreck on the shore. Signed lower right.
Eldred's
May. 04, 2024
Robert Swain Gifford (1840-1905, New Bedford,
Est: $250 - $350
Nonquitt artist). A Hudson River Tow. Signed lower right in the plate and dated 1879. 6 1/4" x 8 1/4" sight size. Frame is 12" x 14 3/4".
Marion Antique Auctions
May. 04, 2024
Robert Swain Gifford (1840-1905, New Bedford,
Est: $150 - $250
Nonquitt artist). An etching titled "Nonquitt, Sept 1878". Signed lower left in the plate. Depicts the cliffs at Nonquitt overlooking Buzzard's Bay. Sight size 6 3/4" x 3 3/4". Modern frame and mat. 14 1/4" x 11 1/4".
Marion Antique Auctions
May. 04, 2024
Robert Swain Gifford (1840-1905, New Bedford, MA
Est: $100 - $200
& NY) etching, signed in pencil lower right and in the plate. After a painting by Dwight Tryon. Depicts cows grazing. Sight size 6 1/4" x 8 1/4", overall 13 3/4" x 16 1/2", in frame. Good condition.
Marion Antique Auctions
Jan. 29, 2024
SEVEN NAUTICAL ETCHINGS 19th/20th Century Sheets from 9.25" x 7" to 11" x 15.75". Unframed.
Est: $400 - $600
SEVEN NAUTICAL ETCHINGS 19th/20th Century Includes works by Lemuel D. Eldred, Robert Swain Gifford, Henry Ferrar, Charles Adams Platt, Samuel Colman, Edward Frederick Ertz and Prescott. Eldred is signed in pencil lower margin.
Eldred's
Dec. 03, 2023
(2) small Robert Swain Gifford (1840-1905, New
Est: $200 - $400
York, Massachusetts) etchings. One is Wildflowers. Signed lower left in plate, 1880. Sight size 10 1/2" by 8". Other is Marshland, probably Nonquitt, South Dartmouth. Signed lower left in plate, 1879. Sight size 8" by 10 1/2". Both are housed in oak frames under glass. Good condition.
Marion Antique Auctions
Nov. 10, 2023
Robert Swain Gifford, Cairo Citadel
Est: $8,000 - $12,000
Robert Swain Gifford Cairo Citadel oil on canvas laid to Masonite 30.25 h x 45 w in (77 x 114 cm) Signed to lower left 'R. Swain Gifford'. This work will ship from Lambertville, New Jersey.
Rago Arts and Auction Center
Sep. 28, 2023
FIVE NAUTICAL ETCHINGS Late 19th/Early 20th Century From 7.25” x 5.25” to 10.5” x 14.5” sight. Largest framed 19.5” x 25.5”.
Est: $250 - $350
FIVE NAUTICAL ETCHINGS Late 19th/Early 20th Century Two by Henry Farrer and the others by Robert Swain Gifford, George Essig and Charles Adams Platt. All unsigned.
Eldred's
Sep. 24, 2023
R SWAIN GIFFORD VINYARD SOUND LIGHTSHIP PAINTING
Est: $200 - $400
Robert Swain Gifford (New York/Massachusetts, 1840-1905), Vinyard Sound Lightship oil painting on canvas. Signed and titled on the back of the canvas "Vinyard Sound Lightship/By R. SwainGifford/New York 1867." Oil on canvas, 17 x 30 in., in a molded and gold-painted frame. Condition: Canvas has extensive flaking and paint loss. Frame 39 x 29 x 4 inches. Shipping 21 pounds.
White's Auctions
Aug. 26, 2023
ATTRIBUTED TO ROBERT SWAIN GIFFORD (NY/MA, 1840-1905)
Est: $600 - $800
"The Pirates", oil on panel, unsigned, affixed label verso with title, artist name and "gift to Amelia Mott Gummere by Louise C. Howard, 1895", in a copper and gold painted wooden frame, OS: 9" x 7", SS: 7 1/2" x 5 1/2".
Thomaston Place Auction Galleries
Aug. 26, 2023
ROBERT SWAIN GIFFORD (NY/MA, 1840-1905)
Est: $7,000 - $9,000
"Grand Manan", oil on academy board, signed lower right and dated 1862, depicting a Brigantine being driven on towards the rocky coast by a storm, backstamped by Vose Galleries of Boston, with two notes verso that read "Painting of ship by R. Swain Gifford to Grace Dana --- (Forbes)" and "Picture by R. Swain Gifford given as a wedding gift to Eliza N. Dana by (P)itts Morgan in 1862. It was painted to---- at the time of his ----". Housed in the original ornate gilt gesso matched corner deep cove frame, OS: 15" x 21", SS: 8" x 14". Good condition, minor frame loss. From the Estate of Albert P Neilson
Thomaston Place Auction Galleries
Aug. 19, 2023
Robert Swain Gifford (Am. 1840-1905), Horse and Buggy, Oil on canvas, framed
Est: $800 - $1,200
Robert Swain Gifford (Am. 1840-1905) Horse and Buggy Oil on canvas, framed Signed l.l. 8 1/8" x 11 15/16" actual, 14 1/16" x 17 15/16" framed
Barridoff Auctions
Aug. 10, 2023
Robert Swain Gifford (1840-1905): Boats in a Choppy Sea
Est: $3,000 - $5,000
Oil on canvas, 1877, signed 'R. Swain Gifford' and dated lower right. 14 x 26 in., 20 x 32 in. (frame).
STAIR
May. 24, 2023
Robert Swain Gifford (American, 1840-1905) Naushon Island, Vineyard Sound 12 x 18 in. framed 22 3/4 x 29 x 3 3/4 in.
Est: $1,500 - $2,000
Robert Swain Gifford (American, 1840-1905) Naushon Island, Vineyard Sound signed and dated 'R. Swain Gifford/1901' (lower right) oil on canvas 12 x 18 in. framed 22 3/4 x 29 x 3 3/4 in.
Bonhams
May. 05, 2023
ROBERT SWAIN GIFFORD (1840-1905)
Est: $2,000 - $4,000
“View on Naushon island” oil on canvas. signed. 20 x 22 inches. (overall with frame)
John McInnis Auctioneers
Apr. 15, 2023
Robert Swain Gifford (1840-1905, NY, Fairhaven,
Est: $200 - $300
MA) photograph of the artist in his studio with palette and brushes, by NY Photogravure Co. Photograph is autographed by the artist and also comes with a clipped autograph signature.
Marion Antique Auctions
Apr. 15, 2023
Robert Swain Gifford (1840-1905, NY, Fairhaven,
Est: $200 - $300
MA) etching titled "The Path to the Shore", alternately titled "Solitude". Pictured on page 65, no. 19 in David Wright's "A Catalogue of Etchings, 1865-1891, R. Swain Gifford". R. Swain was known as the etcher's etcher. He was a member of the New York Etching Club where he taught the medium to other artists. Signed lower left and dated 1879. Sight size 5" x 8 1/2", overall in a modern frame with new mat and UV glass 11 1/2" x 14 1/2".
Marion Antique Auctions
Apr. 15, 2023
Robert Swain Gifford (1840-1905, MA, NY) coastal
Est: $1,000 - $2,000
Maine seascape, oil painting on canvas, ca. 1868. Depicts a rocky shore in Maine. Signed and dated in the lower right. In a period carved and gilded frame, likely original. A label on the verso identifies the location as Sand Beach on Mount Desert Island in Maine. Sight size 12 1/2" x 19 1/2", overall 22 1/2" x 30". Shows light craquelure and substantial chipping to the trim of the frame. Shows some inpainting in the sky. Provenance: deaccessioned from the New Bedford Whaling Museum.
Marion Antique Auctions
Mar. 17, 2023
Robert Swain Gifford (Massachusetts/New York, 1840-1905), "Chickens by the Well," 19th c., gouache on paper, signed lower left, with a printed artist bio from the book, "Biographical Sketches of American Artists," pre...
Est: $600 - $800
Robert Swain Gifford (Massachusetts/New York, 1840-1905), "Chickens by the Well," 19th c., gouache on paper, signed lower left, with a printed artist bio from the book, "Biographical Sketches of American Artists," presented in a black contemporary frame, H.- 7 1/2 in., W.- 10 1/2 in., Framed H.- 13 3/4 in., W.- 16 3/4 in. Provenance: The Estate of noted Antiquarian Merrit M. Shilg (1908-1978), Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Crescent City Auction Gallery
Feb. 27, 2023
Attr Robert Swain Gifford River Landscape Painting
Est: $600 - $800
New York, Massachusetts,1840-1905 Impressionist depiction of river winding through a densly packed forest from a rock covered clearing. Gifford studied under Albert Van Beest before opening a studio in Boston where his subjects consisted mainly of marine paintings. Gifford was a founding member of the American Society of Painters in Watercolors and was an elected associate of the National Academy of Design.
Bruneau & Co. Auctioneers
Feb. 25, 2023
Robert Swain GIFFORD: "Meadow Flowers"
Est: $150 - $200
Robert Swain GIFFORD (1840-1905): "Meadow Flowers". Etching on laid Japan paper, 1880. Signed in pencil. Plate size: 7 1/4 x 4 5/8 inches.
Armstrong Fine Art
Feb. 25, 2023
ROBERT SWAIN GIFFORD (NY/MA, 1840-1905)
Est: $10,000 - $15,000
"Grand Manan", oil on academy board, signed lower right and dated 1862, depicting a Brigantine being driven on towards the rocky coast by a storm, backstamped by Vose Galleries of Boston, with two notes verso that read "Painting of ship by R. Swain Gifford to Grace Dana --- (Forbes)" and "Picture by R. Swain Gifford given as a wedding gift to Eliza N. Dana by (P)itts Morgan in 1862. It was painted to---- at the time of his ----". Housed in the original ornate gilt gesso matched corner deep cove frame, OS: 15" x 21", SS: 8" x 14". Good condition, minor frame loss.
Thomaston Place Auction Galleries
Dec. 18, 2022
ROBERT SWAIN GIFFORD OIL PAINTING
Est: $1,000 - $1,500
Oil on canvas. Robart Swain Gifford (American 1840-1905). Figures with cart. 12 inches x 8 inches. Frame 13 x 17 inches. Light craquelure and small paint loss. Visible in photos. Signed lower left.
White's Auctions
Dec. 07, 2022
Robert Swain Gifford (American, 1840-1905) 19th Century Etching Woodland Pasture - signed and dated 1888 at lower right. 11" x 15".
Est: $100 - $200
Robert Swain Gifford (American, 1840-1905) 19th Century Etching Woodland Pasture - signed and dated 1888 at lower right. 11" x 15".
Bill Hood & Sons Arts & Antiques Auctions
Nov. 26, 2022
R. Swain Gifford (1840-1905, New Bedford and
Est: $1,000 - $2,000
South Dartmouth, MA) watercolor painting on paper, depicting a coastal scene of men fishing in a tidal river. Probably off of South Dartmouth near Nonquitt. Signed lower left. Sight size 6 3/4" x 17", overall with frame 17 1/4" x 27 1/4".
Marion Antique Auctions
Sep. 10, 2022
†Robert Swain Gifford (Massachusetts/New York, 1840-1905), "Chickens by the Well," 19th c., gouache on paper, signed lower left, with..
Est: $800 - $1,200
Robert Swain Gifford (Massachusetts/New York, 1840-1905), "Chickens by the Well," 19th c., gouache on paper, signed lower left, with a printed artist bio from the book, "Biographical Sketches of American Artists," presented in a black contemporary frame, H.- 7 1/2 in., W.- 10 1/2 in., Framed H.- 13 3/4 in., W.- 16 3/4 in. Provenance: The Estate of noted Antiquarian Merrit M. Shilg (1908-1978), Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Crescent City Auction Gallery
Jun. 01, 2022
ROBERT SWAIN GIFFORD, LANDSCAPE, O/C.
Est: $800 - $1,200
Ca. 190 Barbizon school oil on canvas, landscape at dusk, signed lower right, R. Swain Gifford 1901, in a period gesso and gilt wood frame. Image 12” x 18”, Overall 23” x 29”.
William Smith Auctions
May. 26, 2022
Painter ROBERT SWAIN GIFFORD - Autograph Ltr Signed
Est: $50 - $75
Robert Swain Gifford (1840-1905) Landscape painter. Much of Gifford’d work focuses on the landscapes of New England. He, along with Victorian contemporaries from the White Mountain and Hudson River Schools, helped immortalize the majestic cliffs of Grand Manan in the Bay of Fundy.4 ½” x 1 ½” cut signature from an autograph letter signed, “I remain very truly yours R. Swain Gifford.”
The Written Word Autographs
May. 22, 2022
Robert Swain Gifford (1840-1905) NY Etching / Silk
Est: $100 - $150
Robert Swain Gifford (1840-1905) NY Etching on Silk. In 1864 Gifford's career began when he opened a studio in Boston, where his early works were mainly marine paintings. In 1865, he moved to New York City and spent the winter painting in Samuel Coleman's studio in the Dodsworth Building. He left the city for the summer and returned to New Bedford and the area islands to make sketches for work to be done the next winter in his studio. In 1875 the Giffords returned to New York and joined the mainstream of American artists. Gifford won a metal of honor at the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia and in 1876 and was one of the founders of the American Art Association. He became one of the first artists in the country to employ etching as a technique and he helped establish the New York Etching Club. He also became a member of the Royal Society of Painter-Etchers of London. Overall Size: 11 x 13 in. Sight Size: 4 1/2 x 6 1/2 in. Location S/T
Sarasota Estate Auction
May. 04, 2022
Robert Swain Gifford American, 1840-1905 Landscape
Est: $1,000 - $2,000
Robert Swain Gifford American, 1840-1905 Landscape Signed R. Swain Gifford (lr) Oil on canvas 16 1/4 x 20 inches C
DOYLE Auctioneers & Appraisers
May. 04, 2022
Robert Swain Gifford American, 1840-1905 Mt. Diablo Range, The Bay of San Francisco
Est: $500 - $700
Robert Swain Gifford American, 1840-1905 Mt. Diablo Range, The Bay of San Francisco Initialed RSG (lr) Watercolor on paper 5 x 6 7/8 inches Provenance: Christie's East, New York, Oct. 26, 1982, lot 83 C
DOYLE Auctioneers & Appraisers
May. 04, 2022
Robert Swain Gifford American, 1840-1905 The Port of Bejaia, Algeria, 1874
Est: $3,000 - $5,000
Robert Swain Gifford American, 1840-1905 The Port of Bejaia, Algeria, 1874 Signed R Swain Gifford and dated Oct 1874 (lr); signed R Swain Gifford and inscribed The Port of "Bougia" - North Coast of Africa on the reverse Oil on canvas 14 x 26 inches C
DOYLE Auctioneers & Appraisers
May. 01, 2022
ROBERT SWAIN GIFFORD, (American, 1840-1905), View from Cuttyhunk Island, watercolor, sight: 6 x 13 in., frame: 13 1/4 x 20 in.
Est: $1,000 - $2,000
ROBERT SWAIN GIFFORD (American, 1840-1905) View from Cuttyhunk Island watercolor signed R. Swain Gifford lower left
Grogan & Company
Mar. 19, 2022
Robert Swain Gifford (American, 1840-1905) "The Rock of Gibraltar"
Est: $15,000 - $25,000
1872. Oil on canvas. Signed and dated 'R Swain Gifford NY 1872' (lower left). Signed, titled and dated (on reverse).
Cottone Auctions
Feb. 26, 2022
ROBERT SWAIN GIFFORD (NY/MA, 1840-1905)
Est: $10,000 - $15,000
"Grand Manan", oil on academy board, signed lower right and dated 1862, depicting a Brigantine being driven on towards the rocky coast by a storm, backstamped by Vose Galleries of Boston, with two notes verso that read "Painting of ship by R. Swain Gifford to Grace Dana --- (Forbes)" and "Picture by R. Swain Gifford given as a wedding gift to Eliza N. Dana by (P)itts Morgan in 1862. It was painted to---- at the time of his ----". Housed in the original ornate gilt gesso matched corner deep cove frame, OS: 15" x 21", SS: 8" x 14". Good condition, minor frame loss.
Thomaston Place Auction Galleries