Thornton Oakley Paintings & Artwork for Sale | Thornton Oakley Art Value Price Guide

Aug. 27, 2024
Thornton Oakley (1881-1953) Charcoal and Gouache Drawings
Est: $300 - $500
Thornton Oakley (American, 1881-1953) Charcoal and Gouache Drawings of Baldwin Locomotive Works Engines, signed. Framed. Sizes: 1) 29.25'' x 22.25'', 74 x 57 cm (sight); 2) 31.5'' x 24.25'', 80 x 62 cm (frame).
Material Culture
Jul. 07, 2024
Thornton Oakley Original Pen Ink Illustration, Castle
Est: $250 - $350
Thornton Oakley (American, 1881-1953) original illustration in pen and ink for the book "Heart of Provence" (1936), titled "The Castle of the good king Rene." Note en verso indicates the illustration appears on p. 307 of the book and that the work is signed en verso. Matted and framed under plexiglass. Sight: 11" H x 7" W. Framed: 17" H x 13" W. Biography: Thornton Oakley was born in Pittsburgh and began his study of illustration in 1902 with Howard Pyle, founder of the Brandywine School. Pyle would become Oakley's lifelong mentor and friend. In 1910, Oakley married Amy Ewing, author of several books including "Heart of Provence," 1936, for which this illustration was conceived. Thornton Oakley produced illustrations for periodicals including Century, Harper's Monthly, Scribner's and Collier's, and taught at the University of Pennsylvania and the Philadelphia Museum School of Industrial Art. He was a charter member of the Philadelphia Water Color Club. PROVENANCE: The collection of artist, cartoonist and character creator Guy Gilchrist, Nashville, Tennessee.
Case Antiques, Inc. Auctions & Appraisals
Feb. 01, 2024
Thornton Oakley (American, 1881-1953)
Est: $1,000 - $1,500
American, 1881-1953 Hog Island, The Wet Basin Signed T. Oakley (ll) and Thornton Oakley (lr); titled (ll) Gouache, pencil and watercolor on paperboard 19 7/8 x 26 3/4 inches (50.5 x 68 cm) Provenance: Sale, Sotheby's Arcade, New York, Oct. 30, 1996, lot 220 (Frame: 24 5/8 x 31 1/2 inches) Matburn; toned; nail damage in spots along the outer edges (not in the image); very slight warp to the board.
DOYLE Auctioneers & Appraisers
Dec. 14, 2023
THORNTON OAKLEY "Gavarnie Paysanne."
Est: $1,000 - $1,500
THORNTON OAKLEY "Gavarnie Paysanne." Sketch of a peasant woman's costume in the Pyrenees, c. 1920. Mixed media on paper. 292x216 mm; 11 1/2x8 1/2 inches, matted and framed to 17 1/2x14 1/2 inches. Signed "T. Oakley-" in lower right image. Artist Thornton Oakley, along with his wife, author Amy Oakley, traveled and documented the borderland between France and Spain in a book titled Hill-Towns of the Pyrenees (John Long Ltd., 1924). Although this illustration wasn't published in the book, it captures the charm of the region. Mr. and Mrs. Oakley are well known for their illustrated articles of travel.
Swann Auction Galleries
Dec. 05, 2023
Thornton Oakley, The Grain Harvest
Est: $100 - $200
Thornton Oakley (American, 1881-1953), gouache and pastels on paper depicting two men harvesting grain, signed l.r., 13 3/4" x 18 3/4" image size, 24 3/4" x 30" framed.
Old Kinderhook Auction Company
Nov. 08, 2023
Attributed to Thornton Oakley
Est: $3,000 - $5,000
Attributed to Thornton Oakley American, 1881-1953 A Town in Winter Oil on canvas 19 7/8 x 30 1/8 inches Craquelure; surface soiling; glue relined. In the upper left there is an inverted "T" shaped tear that has been repaired. The size of this tear is approximately 3 x 2 inches. A 1 inch repaired tear is located at the center of near the right edge. Inpainting can be found throughout. A hand written label affixed to the stretcher indicates that the back of the original canvas was inscribed with the artist's name and address.
DOYLE Auctioneers & Appraisers
Jul. 11, 2023
Thornton Oakley (American 1881-1953), Hog Island, The Wet Basin, Lithograph, Frame: 29 1/2 x 22 in. (74.9 x 55.9 cm.)
Est: $50 - $100
Thornton Oakley (American 1881-1953), Hog Island, The Wet Basin, Lithograph,
Weschler's
Dec. 02, 2022
THORNTON OAKLEY (AMERICAN, 1881-1953)
Est: $1,000 - $2,000
Thornton Oakley American, 1881-1953 He Stopped and Listened Oil on canvas Signed lower right. Monochromatic scene, a mother and child visible together in a dimly lit room, a man paused outside in the hallway. Wooden frame.
Selkirk Auctioneers & Appraisers
Nov. 10, 2022
Unique The Longshoreman print signed by Thornton Oakley (1881-1953) for John Peirce (1900-1970)
Est: $100 - $200
Unique print by Thornton Oakley (1881-1953) titled The Longshoreman and signed by the artist. Piece also shows the signature of John R. Peirce (1900-1970), another Pennsylvania artist. Signature dated May 8th, 1918, and likely done for Peirce while he was a young, admiring student. All in gilt frame, ,measures 21 1/4" x 25 1/4", 9" x 13" site. *notes - crease along middle of print
Embassy Auctions International
Jul. 05, 2022
Thornton Oakley (1881 - 1953)American "Boats in a Harbor"
Est: $800 - $1,200
Thornton Oakley (1881 - 1953) Watercolor over pencil on paper, Signed 9.5 " x 11.5 " , c/framed 19" x 16"
Cutler Bay Auctions
Oct. 07, 2021
Thornton Oakley (1881 - 1953)
Est: $1,400 - $1,800
Gouache, Pastel, Graphite and Mixed Media on Paper. Titled "Bituminous Domain". 1943. 30" x 40". this was commissioned by National Geographic Magazine. Signed T. Oakley lower left.
Weiss Auctions
Feb. 06, 2021
Thornton Oakley (American/Pennsylvania, 1881)
Est: $10,000 - $15,000
Thornton Oakley (American/Pennsylvania, 1881-1953) , "Stretched Out, Basking in the Torrid Glare (Cajun Cotton)", oil on canvas, signed lower left, "Robert M. Hicklin, Jr. Inc.", conservation and exhibition labels with artist and title on backing board, 22 1/4 in. x 16 1/4 in., framed . Provenance: Robert M. Hicklin, Charleston, SC. Ill.: Oakley, Thornton. "Mississippi Sketches". Harper's. June, 1905: 449. Note: A professional illustrator, artist and writer, Thornton Oakley often wrote and illustrated content for many magazines, particularly relating to travel and industry. Oakley worked in graphite, pen and ink, and oil with a consistent clarity and attention to detail. His most accomplished works are paintings and drawings of city scenes that provide an emphasis on their industrial character, highlighting the urban landscapes massive size and strength of structures and materials. The work seen here displays the artists tendency to focus on a single figure centered in the foreground of a vertical scene of imposing structures and machinery in order to emphasize mans relationship to industry. He once stated: It is man, the workman, the tiny human being upon the street, who has conceived and wrought the giant frames of steel, the furnaces, the towering buildings. It is through his eyes that I have seen. Published as part of an article in Harpers Monthly Magazine written and illustrated by the artist in 1905, the setting of the rare oil painting offered here is perfectly described by Oakley: It was New Orleans; it was the afternoon, and the hour was near for departure of the steamboat. The sun flamed down as though the sky were the open door of a furnace, and the levee quivered with the heat. To the right and to the left stretched a long vista of cotton bales, and beyond the rows of bales lay the packets, their smoke-stacks tall and lean, ribbed with white and topped by bell-shaped grills of wrought iron reaching up into the blue sky full of floating clouds. Ref.: Oakley, Thornton. Mississippi Sketches. Harpers. June, 1905: 447-455; Pfohl, Bailey. Thornton Oakley. Illustration History: Norman Rockwell Museum. www.illustrationhistory.org. Accessed Dec. 31, 2020
Neal Auction Company
Jul. 16, 2020
THORNTON OAKLEY. "Behold the West Indies." [SCHOOL OF PYLE]
Est: $600 - $900
THORNTON OAKLEY. "Behold the West Indies." Together, a group of 3 illustrations for book of the same name by Amy Ewing Oakley (Appleton-Century Co., 1941, pages xxiii, 105, and 394). Pen and ink over graphite on thin board. Introduction illustration is 85x152 mm; 3 1/4x6 inches, on 6 3/4x11 1/2-inch board. Other illustrations are approximately 145x152 mm; 5 3/4x6 inches, on 8 1/4x9 inch boards. Signed "Thornton Oakley" on verso. Tipped to board with window matte.
Swann Auction Galleries
Apr. 02, 2020
THORNTON OAKLEY, Pennsylvania, 1881-1953, Fish on a coral reef., Pen and ink on paper, 3.5" x 6.5" sight. Framed 11.5" x 14.5".
Est: $150 - $250
THORNTON OAKLEY Pennsylvania, 1881-1953 Fish on a coral reef. Initialed in pencil lower right "TO". Inscribed on mat "To Florence Butcher, May 28, 1948 from Thorton Oakley". Inscribed verso "Pen drawing by Thornton Oakley. Illustration for "Behold the West Indies" by Amy Oakley, N.Y. D. Appleton. Century Co. 1941". Pen and ink on paper, 3.5" x 6.5" sight. Framed 11.5" x 14.5".
Eldred's
Dec. 10, 2019
THORNTON OAKLEY. "Via Vittorio Emanuele Alassio."
Est: $5,000 - $7,500
THORNTON OAKLEY. "Via Vittorio Emanuele Alassio." Story illustration for "A Memory of Alassio" by Mary King Waddington, published in Scribner's Magazine, Vol. 60, Issue 4, October, 1916. Mixed Media including watercolor, gouache, and conté crayon on paper mounted to board. 697x419 mm; 27 1/2x16 1/2 inches. Signed "T. Oakley" and dated 1916 in lower right image. Inscription with title and artist's name and address on verso in artist's hand. Framed.
Swann Auction Galleries
Jun. 19, 2019
THORNTON OAKLEY, (AMERICAN 1881-1953), "THE WONDERLAND OF OIL"
Est: $1,000 - $1,500
THORNTON OAKLEY (american 1881-1953) "THE WONDERLAND OF OIL" Signed 'T. Oakley' bottom left, pastel and gouache on paper Sheet size: 29 3/4 x 40 in. (75.6 x 101.6cm) provenance: The Collection of Victor Niederhoffer. EXHIBITED: "Fiftieth Annual Watercolor and Print Exhibition," Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, October 19-November 23, 1952.
Freeman's | Hindman
Nov. 20, 2017
Thornton Oakley (1881-1953) Pennsylvania Railroad, Ore Handling Facilities, Girard Point, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 29 3/4 x 40in overall: 38 x 38in
Est: $4,000 - $6,000
Thornton Oakley Pennsylvania Railroad, Ore Handling Facilities, Girard Point, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania signed 'T. Oakley-' (lower right), titled on a label (on the reverse) gouache, conte crayon, and ink on paperboard 29 3/4 x 40in overall: 38 x 38in Footnotes Provenance Private collection, Los Angeles, California.
Bonhams
May. 15, 2017
Thornton Oakley (1881-1953) Original Illustration
Est: $200 - $300
Thornton Oakley (American, 1881-1953) An Original Illustration, ink drawing, from Enchanted Brittany, by Amy Oakley. Size: 8" x 7.25", 20 x 18 cm (sheet); 12" x 9", 30 x 23 cm (mat).
Material Culture
May. 13, 2017
Thornton Oakley mixed media
Est: $200 - $400
Thornton Oakley- ''Mountaineer and Guide''- mixed media on illustration board, two faint scratches on the right figure, minor soiling in margin. 17 x 14 1/4''
Rachel Davis Fine Arts
Mar. 19, 2017
Thornton Oakley (American, 1881-1953) Ship Builder, 1918 Gouache and charcoal on
Est: $500 - $700
Thornton Oakley (American, 1881-1953) Ship Builder, 1918 Gouache and charcoal on paper 8-1/4 x 5-1/2 inches (21 x 14 cm) (image) Signed, dated, and titled lower right: - Ship Builder - / .T. Oakley. '18 PROVENANCE: Estate of Robert Edwards, Swarthmore, Pennsylvania; Sale: Treadway/Toomey, Oak Park, Illinois, March 7, 2015, lot 546; Acquired by the present owner from the above. HID04901242017
Heritage Auctions
Apr. 10, 2016
Thornton Oakley (American, 1881-1953) An Original Illustration
Est: $200 - $300
Thornton Oakley (American, 1881-1953) An Original Illustration, ink drawing, from Enchanted Brittany, by Amy Oakley. Size: 8" x 7.25", 20 x 18 cm (sheet); 12" x 9", 30 x 23 cm (mat).
Material Culture
Mar. 05, 2016
Thornton Oakley "Bituminous Domain" 1943
Est: $2,000 - $4,000
Commissioned for National Geographic Magazine in 1943, one of 40 paintings Oakley made for a story on The War Effort. Heavy Industry Generating Power on The Allegheny, Coal Barges, Electric Generation Plant, and Sternwheeler pushing Coal
Concept Art Gallery
Nov. 29, 2015
Thornton Oakley (American, 1881-1953)
Est: $300 - $500
Thornton Oakley (American, 1881-1953) Elizabeth, Queen of England, Tail-piece for "Westward Ho!", pen and ink drawing on illustration board. Exhibition History: Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, 1920 and 1921 (labels on verso). Size: 11.5" x 7.25", 29 x 18 cm (board); 18" x 14", 46 x 36 cm (mat).
Material Culture
Jul. 09, 2015
THORNTON OAKLEY
Est: $75 - $100
THORNTON OAKLEY (1881 - 1953) American artist and illustrator. Good lot of two A.D.S.s, checks made out and signed by Oakley, Bryn Mawr, Pa., Aug. 2 and 11, 1952, making various payments. Both boldly signed, with punch cancels clear of the bold signatures.
Alexander Historical Auctions LLC
Jun. 27, 2015
THORNTON OAKLEY PASTEL AND GOAUCHE, DRAWING OF BALDWIN
Est: $400 - $500
THORNTON OAKLEY PASTEL AND GOAUCHE, DRAWING OF BALDWIN LOCOMOTIVE WORKS ENGINES, 1830, 1880 & 1922, MEASURES 30" X 23", AS PICTURED
JMW Auction Gallery
Mar. 07, 2015
Thornton Oakley, (American, 1881-1953), Ship Builder, 1918, gouache and charcoal, 11.75" x 8.75"
Est: $800 - $1,200
Thornton Oakley (American, 1881-1953) Ship Builder, 1918 gouache and charcoal signed, titled and dated lower right 11.75" x 8.75" Provenance: The Estate of Robert Edwards, Swarthmore, PA
Toomey & Co. Auctioneers
Mar. 07, 2015
Thornton Oakley, (American, 1881-1953), Camels, gouache, 17" x 12"
Est: $500 - $700
Thornton Oakley (American, 1881-1953) Camels gouache 17" x 12" Provenance: The Estate of Robert Edwards, Swarthmore, PA
Toomey & Co. Auctioneers
Oct. 30, 2014
Thornton Oakley (American, 1881-1953)
Est: $1,500 - $2,500
View on AspireAuctions.com
Aspire Auctions Fine Art & Antiques
Dec. 07, 2013
Thornton Oakley
Est: $800 - $1,200
Thornton Oakley (American, 1881-1953) "The Vignemale," charcoal, 36.5" x 25", signed lower right, framed This drawing was intended as an illustration for Amy Oakley's Cloud-lands of France. The Vignemale is the highest of the French Pyrenean summits located on the border with Spain.
Toomey & Co. Auctioneers
Jun. 29, 2013
30 x 40" pastel and gouache Locomotive and Mountains signed Thornton Oakley (American 1881- 1953)
Est: $4,000 - $6,000
30 x 40" pastel and gouache Locomotive and Mountains signed Thornton Oakley (American 1881- 1953)
Merrill's Auctioneers & Appraisers
Jun. 29, 2013
40 x 30" pastel and gouache Industrial Scene signed Thornton Oakley (American 1881- 1953)
Est: $4,000 - $6,000
40 x 30" pastel and gouache Industrial Scene signed Thornton Oakley (American 1881- 1953)
Merrill's Auctioneers & Appraisers
Jan. 24, 2013
THORNTON OAKLEY. 38 Original ink drawings for Awake, America!
Est: $2,000 - $3,000
THORNTON OAKLEY. 38 Original ink drawings for Awake, America! by Imogen Brashear Oakley and Enchanted Brittany by Amy Oakley. Accompanied by First Editions of those titles. Drawings are variously sized ink-and-wash on Strathmore drawing boards measuring 190x292 mm; 7 1/2x11 1/2 inches on average, some slightly smaller, nearly all with some type of marking in mostly Oakley's, and another's hand, including size, title, page placement, Oakley's initials or full signature, and occasional mounted overlays; versos contain publisher's indication numbers and stamp on Awake America drawings. Books are 8vo, original bindings, moderate wear; hinges starting; dust jacket on Awake America!, but dampstained at spine and edgeworn. Both volumes Signed by Thornton Oakley and the authors (Imogen's is a mounted clipped signature). Philadelphia: Macrae, Smith, 1934; New York: Century Co., 1930
Swann Auction Galleries
Dec. 06, 2012
Thornton Oakley (1881-1953)
Est: $5,000 - $8,000
Thornton Oakley (1881-1953) Bus Terminal signed 'T. Oakley-' (lower left) charcoal and gouache on board 24½ x 40¼ in. (62.2 x 102.2 cm.)
Christie's
Dec. 06, 2012
Thornton Oakley (1881-1953)
Est: $5,000 - $8,000
Thornton Oakley (1881-1953) Commuters on a Platform signed 'T. Oakley' (lower left) charcoal and gouache on board 24¾ x 40 in. (62.9 x 101.6 cm.)
Christie's
Dec. 06, 2012
Thornton Oakley (1881-1953)
Est: $5,000 - $8,000
Thornton Oakley (1881-1953) Television Studios signed 'T./Oakley-' (lower right) mixed media on board 26 x 40 in. (66 x 101.6 cm.)
Christie's
Dec. 06, 2012
Thornton Oakley (1881-1953)
Est: $5,000 - $8,000
Thornton Oakley (1881-1953) Men Loading Freight signed 'T. Oakley-' (lower left) charcoal and gouache on paper 24½ x 40½ in. (62.2 x 102.9 cm.)
Christie's
Dec. 06, 2012
Thornton Oakley (1881-1953)
Est: $5,000 - $8,000
Thornton Oakley (1881-1953) Man-Made Lightening signed 'T. Oakley' (lower right) watercolor, gouache and charcoal on board 40 x 28¾ in. (101.6 x 73 cm.)
Christie's
Dec. 06, 2012
Thornton Oakley (1881-1953)
Est: $5,000 - $8,000
Thornton Oakley (1881-1953) Wind Tunnel signed 'T. Oakley-' (lower right) charcoal and gouache on board 40 x 29 in. (101.6 x 73.7 cm.)
Christie's
Dec. 06, 2012
Thornton Oakley (1881-1953)
Est: $5,000 - $8,000
Thornton Oakley (1881-1953) An Electron Microscope signed 'T./Oakley-' (lower right) watercolor, gouache and charcoal on paper 40 x 28¾ in. (101.6 x 73 cm.)
Christie's
Dec. 06, 2012
Thornton Oakley (1881-1953)
Est: $5,000 - $8,000
Thornton Oakley (1881-1953) Broadcasting Tests Among Noise Absorbers signed 'T. Oakley-' (lower right) watercolor and gouache on board 25¾ x 40 in. (65.4 x 101.6 cm.)
Christie's
Dec. 06, 2012
Thornton Oakley (1881-1953)
Est: $5,000 - $8,000
Thornton Oakley (1881-1953) A Radio-Telephone Control Room signed 'T. Oakley-' (lower right) watercolor, gouache and charcoal on board 26¾ x 40 in. (68 x 101.6 cm.)
Christie's
Nov. 19, 2011
Thornton Oakley
Est: $1,000 - $2,000
(Pennsylvania, 1881-1953)Boats in a Harbor, possibly Concarneau, France, signed lower left "T. Oakley", watercolor over pencil on paper, 14 x 19-7/8 in.; gilt wood frame, taped at top verso with masking tape, light toning; frame with abrasions
Brunk Auctions
Jun. 07, 2011
Thornton Oakley, 1881-1853, charcoal, Self Portrait, 19" x 14", signed upper right, framed, matted, under glass
Est: $300 - $500
Thornton Oakley, 1881-1853, charcoal, Self Portrait, 19" x 14", signed upper right, framed, matted, under glass
William Bunch Auctions & Appraisals
Jun. 05, 2011
Thornton Oakley, American, 1881-1953, Views of Hog Island Shipyard, Philadelphia, pair of lithographs, 20 x 14 1/2 in., framed
Est: $100 - $200
Thornton Oakley American, 1881-1953 Views of Hog Island Shipyard, Philadelphia pair of lithographs each signed "Thorton Oakley" lr 20 x 14 1/2 in., framed
Alex Cooper
May. 09, 2008
THORNTON OAKLEY (American, 1881-1953) Segovia, Spain Watercolor on cardboard 30 x 22 inches (76.2 x 55.9 cm) Signed lower right: Segovia/T. Oakley
Est: $500 - $700
THORNTON OAKLEY (American, 1881-1953) Segovia, Spain Watercolor on cardboard 30 x 22 inches (76.2 x 55.9 cm) Signed lower right: Segovia/T. Oakley
Heritage Auctions
Jun. 11, 2006
OAKLEY, THORNTON
Est: $200 - $300
OAKLEY, THORNTON Watercolor on board. "Anse Pleureuse." Signed, titled lower left. 22 x 30." (1881-1953). Damage to left corners.
Stamford Auction
Jun. 11, 2006
OAKLEY, THORNTON
Est: $200 - $300
OAKLEY, THORNTON Watercolor on board. "Riviere a Claude." Signed, titled lower left. 22 x 30." (1881-1953). Damage to upper right and lower left corners. Smudges along upper edge.
Stamford Auction
Jun. 11, 2006
OAKLEY, THORNTON
Est: $200 - $300
OAKLEY, THORNTON Watercolor on board. "Mt. Louis." Signed, titled lower right. 22 x 30." (1881-1953). Damage to upper right and lower left corners, lower right corner bent.
Stamford Auction