Betty Parsons Paintings & Artwork for Sale | Betty Parsons Art Value Price Guide

Jan. 26, 2025
Betty Parsons, Original Color Screenprint on Paper, Signed
Est: $200 - $800
Original color screenprint on laid paper entitled Clocks of Time by American Abstract Expressionist artist Betty Parsons. She paints brightly colored warm and cool organic shapes within vertical and horizontal lines that seemingly divide the passage of time. Signature and date on lower right: Betty B Parsons, 78. Edition number on lower left: 67/180. Artist: Betty Bierne Parsons (American, 1900-1982) Issued: 1978 Dimensions: 21.25"L x 29.5"H Edition Number: 67 of 180 Country of Origin: United States Provenance: Jock Truman and Eric Green, Aventura, FL; Bass Museum of Art, Miami Beach, FL 2000.
Lion and Unicorn
Jan. 26, 2025
Betty Parsons, Original Color Screenprint on Paper, Signed
Est: $200 - $800
Original color screenprint on laid paper entitled Clocks of Time by American Abstract Expressionist artist Betty Parsons. She paints brightly colored warm and cool organic shapes within vertical and horizontal lines that seemingly divide the passage of time. Signature and date on lower right: Betty B Parsons, 78. Edition number on lower left: 68/180. Artist: Betty Bierne Parsons (American, 1900-1982) Issued: 1978 Dimensions: 21.25"L x 29.5"H Edition Number: 68 of 180 Country of Origin: United States Provenance: Jock Truman and Eric Green, Aventura, FL; Bass Museum of Art, Miami Beach, FL 2000.
Lion and Unicorn
Jan. 26, 2025
Betty Parsons, One-of-a Kind Gouache on Paper, Signed
Est: $200 - $800
One of a kind gouache with use of tip of the brush on paper glued on board by American Abstract Expressionist Betty Parsons. Sent by the artist to the Truman Gallery, New York. Signature and date on lower left in ink: Betty Parsons, 77. Artist: Betty Bierne Parsons (American, 1900-1982) Issued: 1977 Dimensions: 6"L x 4"H Country of Origin: United States Provenance: Jock Truman and Eric Green, Aventura, FL; Bass Museum of Art, Miami Beach, FL 2000.
Lion and Unicorn
Dec. 04, 2024
Betty Parsons, Original Oil on Canvas, Green Light, Signed
Est: $800 - $2,000
Outstanding oil on canvas entitled Green Light by Abstract artist Betty Parsons who paints organic forms floating on a anthracite background. Artist signature and date on lower right. Housed in a gilded wood frame. Artwork dimensions: 14"L x 13"H. Frame dimensions: 14.75"L x 1.75"W x 13.75"H. Artist: Betty Bierne Parsons (American, 1900-1982) Issued: 1961 Dimensions: See Description Country of Origin: United States Provenance: Jock Truman and Eric Green, Aventura, FL; Bass Museum of Art, Miami Beach, FL 2002.
Lion and Unicorn
Dec. 04, 2024
Betty Parsons, One-of-a Kind Watercolor on Paper, Signed
Est: $200 - $800
One of a kind watercolor and ink on paper by American Abstract Expressionist Betty Parsons who depicts a seascape from the shore where two individuals look at the blue sea. Title and date on lower left side: illegible Hotel, 69. Artist: Betty Bierne Parsons (American, 1900-1982) Issued: 1969 Dimensions: 8.25"L x 5.25"H Country of Origin: United States Provenance: Jock Truman and Eric Green, Aventura, FL; Bass Museum of Art, Miami Beach, FL 2000.
Lion and Unicorn
Dec. 04, 2024
Betty Parsons, One-of-a Kind Gouache on Paper, Signed
Est: $200 - $800
One of a kind gouache with use of tip of the brush on paper glued on board by American Abstract Expressionist Betty Parsons. Sent by the artist to the Truman Gallery, New York. Signature and date on lower left in ink: Betty Parsons, 77. Artist: Betty Bierne Parsons (American, 1900-1982) Issued: 1977 Dimensions: 6"L x 4"H Country of Origin: United States Provenance: Jock Truman and Eric Green, Aventura, FL; Bass Museum of Art, Miami Beach, FL 2000.
Lion and Unicorn
Dec. 04, 2024
Betty Parsons, Original Color Screenprint on Paper, Signed
Est: $200 - $800
Original color screenprint on laid paper entitled Clocks of Time by American Abstract Expressionist artist Betty Parsons. She paints brightly warm and cool colored organic shapes within vertical and horizontal lines that seemingly divide the passage of time. Signature and date on lower right: Betty B Parsons, 78. Edition number on lower left: A.P. (Artist Proof) 12/20. Artist: Betty Bierne Parsons (American, 1900-1982) Issued: 1978 Dimensions: 21.25"L x 29.5"H Edition Number: Artist Proof 12 of 20 Country of Origin: United States Provenance: Jock Truman and Eric Green, Aventura, FL; Bass Museum of Art, Miami Beach, FL 2000.
Lion and Unicorn
Dec. 04, 2024
Betty Parsons One-of-a-Kind Gouache & Pastel on Paper, Signed
Est: $200 - $800
One of a kind gouache and pastel with use of tip of the brush on paper by American Abstract Expressionist Betty Parsons. Artist signature and date on lower left. Housed in a gilded wooden frame with off-white mat. Sight size: 3.75"L x 4"H. Frame dimensions: 9.25"L x 0.5"W x 11"H. Artist: Betty Bierne Parsons (American, 1900-1982) Issued: 1960 Dimensions: See Description Country of Origin: United States Provenance: Jock Truman and Eric Green, Aventura, FL; Bass Museum of Art, Miami Beach, FL 2000.
Lion and Unicorn
Dec. 04, 2024
Betty Parsons, One-of-a Kind Gouache on Paper, Signed
Est: $200 - $800
One of a kind gouache with use of tip of the brush on paper glued on board by American Abstract Expressionist Betty Parsons. Sent by the artist to the Truman Gallery, New York on 11 December 1977. Signature and date on lower right in ink: Betty Parsons, 77. Artist: Betty Bierne Parsons (American, 1900-1982) Issued: 1977 Dimensions: 4"L x 6"H Country of Origin: United States Provenance: Jock Truman and Eric Green, Aventura, FL; Bass Museum of Art, Miami Beach, FL 2000.
Lion and Unicorn
Dec. 04, 2024
Betty Parsons, Original Screenprint on Laid Paper, Signed
Est: $200 - $800
Gorgeous original color screenprint on laid paper by American Abstract Expressionist artist Betty Parsons who applies deep red and black floating forms on a vibrant ultramarine background. Signature and date on lower right: Betty B. Parsons, 74. Artist: Betty Bierne Parsons (American, 1900-1982) Issued: 1974 Dimensions: 6.75"L x 8.25"H Country of Origin: United States Provenance: Jock Truman and Eric Green, Aventura, FL; Bass Museum of Art, Miami Beach, FL 2000.
Lion and Unicorn
Dec. 04, 2024
Betty Parsons, Unique Watercolor & Ink on Paper, Signed
Est: $200 - $800
One of a kind watercolor and green ink on paper glued to board by American Abstract Expressionist Betty Parsons. Sent by the artist to the Truman Gallery, New York on 11 December 1977. Signature and date on lower right in ink: Betty Parsons, 77. Artist: Betty Bierne Parsons (American, 1900-1982) Issued: 1977 Dimensions: 4"L x 6"H Country of Origin: United States Provenance: Jock Truman and Eric Green, Aventura, FL; Bass Museum of Art, Miami Beach, FL 2000.
Lion and Unicorn
Dec. 04, 2024
Betty Parsons, Original Watercolor on Paper, Signed
Est: $200 - $800
One of a kind watercolor and black ink drawing on paper glued on board by American Abstract Expressionist Betty Parsons. Sent by the artist to the Truman Gallery, New York. Artist: Betty Bierne Parsons (American, 1900-1982) Issued: c. 1970 Dimensions: 4"L x 6"H Country of Origin: United States Provenance: Jock Truman and Eric Green, Aventura, FL; Bass Museum of Art, Miami Beach, FL 2000.
Lion and Unicorn
Dec. 04, 2024
Betty Parsons, Original Watercolor on Paper, Signed
Est: $200 - $800
One-of-a-kind watercolor on laid paper glued to board by American Abstract Expressionist Betty Parsons. Sent by the artist to the Truman Gallery, New York on 11 December 1977. Signature and date on lower right in ink: Betty Parsons, 77. Artist: Betty Bierne Parsons (American, 1900-1982) Issued: 1977 Dimensions: 4"L x 6"H Country of Origin: United States Provenance: Jock Truman and Eric Green, Aventura, FL; Bass Museum of Art, Miami Beach, FL 2000.
Lion and Unicorn
Dec. 04, 2024
Betty Parsons, Original Watercolor on Paper, Signed
Est: $200 - $800
One of a kind watercolor on paper glued to board by American Abstract Expressionist Betty Parsons. Sent by the artist to the Truman Gallery, New York on 11 December 1977. Signature and date on lower right in ink: Betty Parsons, 77. Artist: Betty Bierne Parsons (American, 1900-1982) Issued: 1977 Dimensions: 4"L x 6"H Country of Origin: United States Provenance: Jock Truman and Eric Green, Aventura, FL; Bass Museum of Art, Miami Beach, FL 2000.
Lion and Unicorn
Nov. 13, 2024
Betty Parsons, Beauborg
Est: $10,000 - $15,000
Betty Parsons Beauborg acrylic on wood construction 23.5 h x 24.5 w x 5.5 d in (60 x 62 x 14 cm) Faintly signed and titled to verso 'Parsons Beauborg'. Provenance: Estate of Sally Anell Parsons, Director of Robert Kidd Gallery, Birmingham, MI | Private Collection This work will ship from Lambertville, New Jersey.
Rago Arts and Auction Center
Nov. 12, 2024
BETTY PARSONS (1900 - 1982, AMERICAN) Picasso Eye.
Est: $7,000 - $9,000
BETTY PARSONS (1900 - 1982, AMERICAN) Picasso Eye. Oil on wood assemblage, 1976. Signed, Betty Parsons, dated, 1976, and inscribed as titled on verso. 635x355x50 mm; 25x14x2 inches. Provenance: The Artist; Jacquelyn A. Mattfeld, gifted from above; Thence by descent to the current owner. Many people know Betty Parsons as a pioneer in the art gallery world. She showed important artists early in their careers, Jackson Pollock, Clyfford Still, Mark Rothko, Agnes Martin, Elsworth Kelly, Jasper Johns and Robert Rauschenberg, just to name a few. She also created wonderful constructions from found pieces of weathered wood assembled, painted, and repurposed into wonderful sculpture and wall reliefs. Her fascination with modernism began when she visited the 1913 Armory Show. She spent a decade of her early adult life living in Paris befriending the important collector and modernist writer, Gertrude Stein. Parsons passed away in 1982 and her gallery continued under the direction of her son, David Anderson. David moved the gallery to Buffalo New York under the name Anderson Gallery. Today Anderson Gallery's remaining collection and magnificent gallery space is part of the University of Buffalo.
Swann Auction Galleries
Nov. 12, 2024
BETTY PARSONS (1900 - 1982, AMERICAN) Untitled.
Est: $2,000 - $3,000
BETTY PARSONS (1900 - 1982, AMERICAN) Untitled. Oil on wood. 165x910x20 mm; 6½x35¾x¾ inches. Provenance: The Artist; Jacquelyn A. Mattfeld, gifted from above; Thence by descent to the current owner.
Swann Auction Galleries
Sep. 11, 2024
Betty Parsons, Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts, c.1943;
Est: £500 - £700
Betty Parsons, American 1900-1982 - Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts, c.1943; gouache on paper, indistinctly signed lower right 'Betty Parsons', 43.8 x 58.5 cm Note: with a label attached to the reverse of the frame which bears the inscription 'gouache of Marthas Vineyard Mass by Petty Parsons of Parson Gallery NYC'. Parsons was a celebrated artists and art dealer, whose gallery in New York was pioneering in its support of artists such as Chryssa, Jackson Pollock and Agnes Martin. As an artist, Parsons exhibited at the Whitechapel Gallery, London in 1968 and the Nigel Greenwood Gallery, London in 1980. A similar early work, 'Sailboat, Rockport, 1943', by the artist can be found in the collection of the Smithsonian American Art Museum.
Roseberys
Jul. 31, 2024
Betty Parsons, Sea Parthenon
Est: $10,000 - $15,000
Betty Parsons Sea Parthenon 1980 acrylic on wood construction 26 h x 27.24 w x 2.5 d in (66 x 69 x 6 cm) Signed, titled and dated to verso 'Sea Parthenon Betty Parsons 1980'. Provenance: Newspace, Los Angeles | The Collection of Joni and Monte Gordon, Los Angeles | Los Angeles Modern Auctions, 20th Century Modern Art & Design, 23 May 2021, Lot 156 | Private Collection Exhibited: Betty Parsons: Paintings and Sculpture, 6 - 31 May 1980, Newspace, Los Angeles | Joni Gordon: 33 Years at Newspace, 1973-2006: 'Good to Go', 16 September - 16 December 2006, Newspace, Los Angeles This work will ship from Lambertville, New Jersey.
Rago Arts and Auction Center
Mar. 01, 2024
Untitled
Est: $15,000 - $20,000
Property from the Collection of Richard and Kathy Feld Betty Parsons 1900 - 1982 Untitled signed and dated twice 1980 (on the reverse) acrylic and nails on found wood assemblage 21 by 34 in. 53.3 by 86.4 cm. Executed in 1980.
Sotheby's
Dec. 14, 2023
BETTY PARSONS (1900-1982) Brown Day acrylic on paper 11 ¾ x 9 in. (29.8 x
Est: $3,000 - $5,000
BETTY PARSONS (1900-1982) Brown Day acrylic on paper 11 ¾ x 9 in. (29.8 x 22.8 cm.)
Christie's
Dec. 14, 2023
BETTY PARSONS (1900-1982) Fire Tower assemblage—paint and found wood 26 ¾ x
Est: $10,000 - $15,000
BETTY PARSONS (1900-1982) Fire Tower assemblage—paint and found wood 26 ¾ x 16 in. (67.9 x 40.6 cm.)
Christie's
Dec. 14, 2023
BETTY PARSONS (1900-1982) Look Up assemblage—paint and found wood 18 ¼ x 23
Est: $10,000 - $15,000
BETTY PARSONS (1900-1982) Look Up assemblage—paint and found wood 18 ¼ x 23 x 3 in. (46.4 x 58.4 x 7.6 cm.)
Christie's
Dec. 14, 2023
BETTY PARSONS (1900-1982) Tug Boat Lighthouse assemblage—paint and found wo
Est: $10,000 - $15,000
BETTY PARSONS (1900-1982) Tug Boat Lighthouse assemblage—paint and found wood 12 ¾ x 15 ½ x 3 ½ in. (32.4 x 39.4 x 8.9 cm.)
Christie's
Nov. 16, 2023
BETTY PARSONS Untitled.
Est: $5,000 - $8,000
BETTY PARSONS Untitled. Oil on paper, 1950s. 432x356 mm; 17x14 inches. Provenance: Private collection, New York. This work will be included in the forthcoming catalogue raisonné of the artist's work currently being prepared by the The Betty Parsons and William P. Rayner Foundation, New York. Parsons (1900-1982) is widely known for her influential contributions as an art dealer—she opened her eponymous gallery in 1946 in Manhattan exhibiting avant-garde American artists like Jackson Pollock, Barnett Newman, Clyfford Still and Mark Rothko—but, she also had her own artistic practice. Maintaining a studio on the North Fork of Long Island, she created work in a variety of media, including paintings, sculpture and works on paper, also embracing abstraction. Her work is now held in the permanent collections of the Whitney Museum of American Art, the Smithsonian American Art Museum, The Museum of Modern Art and the National Museum of Women in the Arts, among others.
Swann Auction Galleries
Oct. 03, 2023
Horns of the Spear
Est: $10,000 - $15,000
Collection of Richard and Kathy Feld Betty Parsons 1900 - 1982 Horns of the Spear signed, titled and dated 1979 (on the reverse) acrylic on found wood assemblage 51¼ by 7 by 3 in. 130.2 by 17.8 by 7.6 by cm. Executed in 1979.
Sotheby's
Sep. 28, 2023
Royal Tunbridge Wells
Est: $12,000 - $18,000
Property from the Collection of Richard and Kathy Feld Betty Parsons 1900 - 1982 Royal Tunbridge Wells signed, titled and dated 1981 (on the reverse) acrylic on found wood assemblage 26 ¾ by 12 ½ by 2 ½ in. 67.9 by 31.8 by 6.4 cm. Executed in 1981.
Sotheby's
Jun. 07, 2023
Betty Parsons American, 1900-1982 Sailboat, 1981
Est: $400 - $600
Betty Parsons American, 1900-1982 Sailboat, 1981 Signed and dated 1981 (lr) Watercolor on paper 8 1/2 x 5 inches (21.6 x 12.7 cm) C Property from the Collection of Phyllis Weil
DOYLE Auctioneers & Appraisers
Jun. 07, 2023
Betty Parsons American, 1900-1982 Untitled (Mortar and Pestle)
Est: $2,000 - $4,000
Betty Parsons American, 1900-1982 Untitled (Mortar and Pestle) Painted wood Height 7 3/4 inches (19.7 cm) C
DOYLE Auctioneers & Appraisers
May. 23, 2023
Betty Parsons (1900-1982) Bicentennial Boat, 1976 Acrylic on canvas 48-1/2 x 66
Est: $8,000 - $12,000
Betty Parsons (1900-1982) Bicentennial Boat, 1976 Acrylic on canvas 48-1/2 x 66 inches (123.2 x 167.6 cm) Signed on the reverse: Betty Parsons Titled and dated on the stretcher: Bicentennial Boat / 76 PROVENANCE: Kornblee Gallery, New York; Private collection, Newark, New Jersey. HID01801242017
Heritage Auctions
Dec. 08, 2022
Betty Parsons American, 1900-1982 Untitled
Est: $300 - $500
Betty Parsons American, 1900-1982 Untitled Signed Betty Parsons and dated indistinctly Painted rock 3 x 6 1/4 x 1/4 inches (7.62 x 15.9 x 0.63 cm) C
DOYLE Auctioneers & Appraisers
Dec. 08, 2022
Betty Parsons American, 1900-1982 Untitled
Est: $1,500 - $2,500
Betty Parsons American, 1900-1982 Untitled Painted wood assemblage 12 3/4 x 5 3/4 x 1 1/2 inches (32.4 x 14.6 x 3.8 cm) C
DOYLE Auctioneers & Appraisers
Dec. 08, 2022
Betty Parsons American, 1900-1982 Woodpecker, 1977
Est: $5,000 - $8,000
Betty Parsons American, 1900-1982 Woodpecker, 1977 Signed Betty Parsons Painted wood assemblage 18 x 14 1/2 x 1 1/4 inches (45.7 x 36.8 x 3.17 cm) Provenance: Kornblee Gallery, New York C
DOYLE Auctioneers & Appraisers
Nov. 10, 2022
Betty Bierne Parsons (American, 1900-1982) Fire Tower, 1978 Mixed media on board
Est: $3,000 - $5,000
Betty Bierne Parsons (American, 1900-1982) Fire Tower, 1978 Mixed media on board 26-3/4 x 16-1/2 inches (67.9 x 41.9 cm) Signed, dated, and titled on the reverse: Fire Tower 1978 / Betty Parsons PROVENANCE: Betty Parsons Gallery, New York; Chiswick Auctions, London, England, November, 23, 2021, lot 36; Private collection, acquired from the above. EXHIBITED: Summit Art Center, New Jersey, "Works by Betty Parsons," October-November 1979. HID01801242017
Heritage Auctions
Sep. 24, 2022
Betty Parsons, Group of Three
Est: $8,000 - $12,000
Betty Parsons (1900 - 1982) Group of Three: Indian Fruit, 1966 + Brown Day, 1970 + Stone Fish acrylic on stone, acrylic on paper Indian Fruit, 1966: inscribed underside: 1966 Brown Day, 1970: signed lower right: BTB Parsons
Santa Fe Art Auction
Sep. 14, 2022
Betty Parsons, Three Reds
Est: $10,000 - $15,000
Betty Parsons Three Reds 1974 painted wood and nails 31 h × 16.75 w × 2.25 d in (79 × 43 × 6 cm) Signed, titled and dated to verso 'Three Reds 74 Betty Parsons'. Provenance: The Artist | Acquired from the previous in 1974 by LeiLani Verdesca, Dallas | Private Collection This work will ship from Rago in Lambertville, New Jersey.
Rago Arts and Auction Center
Jun. 16, 2022
Betty Parsons, Untitled
Est: $700 - $900
Betty Parsons Untitled 1978 screenprint in colors 29.75 h × 21.25 w in (76 × 54 cm) Signed, dated and numbered to lower edge '6/180 Betty Parsons 78'. This work is number 6 from the edition of 180. Provenance: Collection of Joni Gordon | Thence by descent This work will ship from LAMA in Los Angeles, California.
Rago Arts and Auction Center
May. 24, 2022
Betty Parsons, Collage
Est: $5,000 - $7,000
Betty Parsons Collage 1978 acrylic on wood construction 24 h × 15.75 w × 1.75 d in (61 × 40 × 4 cm) Signed, titled and dated to verso 'Collage 1978 Betty B Parsons'. Provenance: Collection of Joni Gordon | Thence by descent Exhibited: Joni Gordon: 33 Years at Newspace, 1973-2006: 'Good to Go', 16 September - 16 December 2006, Newspace, Los Angeles This work will ship from LAMA in Los Angeles, California.
Rago Arts and Auction Center
May. 24, 2022
Betty Parsons, Moveable Fence
Est: $10,000 - $15,000
Betty Parsons Moveable Fence 1979 oil on canvas 20 h × 68 w in (51 × 173 cm) Signed, titled and dated to verso 'Betty B Parsons Moveable Fence 1979'. Provenance: Collection of Joni Gordon | Thence by descent Exhibited: Joni Gordon: 33 Years at Newspace, 1973-2006: 'Good to Go', 16 September - 16 December 2006, Newspace, Los Angeles This work will ship from LAMA in Los Angeles, California.
Rago Arts and Auction Center
May. 18, 2022
Betty Bierne Pierson Parsons, (American, 1900-1982), Tug Boat Lighthouse, 1970, mixed media construction, 12 3/4"h x 15 3/4"w x 5"d
Est: $5,000 - $7,000
Betty Bierne Pierson Parsons (American, 1900-1982) Tug Boat Lighthouse, 1970 mixed media construction signed, titled and dated verso 12 3/4"h x 15 3/4"w x 5"d
Toomey & Co. Auctioneers
Jan. 01, 2022
B. Parsons Wood Assemblage
Est: $4,000 - $6,000
Betty Parsons, American, 1900-1982. A mid 20th century abstract wooden assemblage, titled "Lost Temple". Geometric wood forms with polychrome detail. Faintly signed "Betty Parsons" and titled verso. Some wear to wood, rust and some loose elements. 19 x 2 1/2 x 26" high overall. ESTIMATE $4,000-6,000 NOTE: Includes an insurance loan receipt for exhibition at the Center for the Arts, Inc. Vero Beach, Florida dated November 1996.
Schmidt's Antiques
Nov. 23, 2021
BETTY PARSONS (AMERICAN 1900-1982)
Est: £800 - £1,200
BETTY PARSONS (AMERICAN 1900-1982) Property of a Lady, London BETTY PARSONS (AMERICAN 1900-1982) Fire tower signed, inscribed and dated B Parsons FIRE TOWER 1978 (on the reverse) oil on wood 66.2 x 29.7 cm PROVENANCE: Betty Parsons Gallery, New York EXHIBITED: New Jersey, Summit Art Center, Works by Betty Parsons, October-November 1979
Chiswick Auctions
Nov. 11, 2021
Betty Parsons, The Elder
Est: $8,000 - $12,000
Betty Parsons The Elder 1974 wood, nails and acrylic 20.875 h × 11 w × 3.75 d in (53 × 28 × 10 cm) Signed, dated and inscribed to verso 'To An Outstanding Creative Spirit The Elder 1974 Betty Parsons'. condition: Work is in good overall condition with minor dirt and dust in crevices. Paint colors show some attenuation with wear to the surface consistent with age. One loss to small square element at upper left corner. Work presents as artist intended.
Rago Arts and Auction Center
Aug. 21, 2021
BETTY BIERNE PIERSON PARSONS OIL ON CANVAS
Est: $10,000 - $15,000
Wonderful large painting. 36.5" by 44.5". Out of an old New York art collection. Fresh to the market, never before offered for sale. Purchased directly from the artist. Painting exhibits Craquelure, the canvas is dry, and could benefit from a restoration. No inpainting or repair. Sold without reserve. Better known as an art dealer than an artist, she had a self-named gallery that significantly promoted the careers of numerous abstract artists of the 1940s. In fact, by some critics, she was called the "midwife" of the New York School*. She grew up in an upper class existence in New York City and turned down a position on the U.S. Olympic tennis team to pursue her art career. She was married briefly and then divorced but kept her husband's name. From 1923 to 1933, she studied sculpture in Paris and was very much a part of avant-garde circles there that included Gertrude Stein, Alexander Calder, and Man Ray. The stock market crash forced her to return to the United States where she spent three years teaching in Santa Barbara, California, and then returned to New York City. She learned the art gallery business by working with Mrs. Cornelius Sullivan and in 1946 opened her own gallery where she gave artists total freedom with their exhibitions. Because she had many aristocratic connections, she created bridges between art collectors and emerging artists such as Lee Krasner, Jackson Pollock, Irene Rice Pereira and Mark Rothko. She never showed her own work at the Parson's Gallery 8 but continued to exhibit, moving from traditional watercolors in the 1930s, through Abstract Expressionism 8, and then to sculpture in the 1970s. In the last decade of her eight-one years, she moved to Long Island where her studio on a cliff overlooked the ocean.
Davis Brothers Auction
Jul. 18, 2021
†Betty B. Parsons (1900-1982, American), "Mountain Landscape with Homes," 20th c., watercolor on paper, presented in a wood frame, H...
Est: $300 - $500
Betty B. Parsons (1900-1982, American), "Mountain Landscape with Homes," 20th c., watercolor on paper, presented in a wood frame, H.- 13 3/4 in., W.- 19 34/ in., Framed H.- 20 1/2 in., W.- 27 in. Provenance: Property deaccessioned from the private collection of Freeport-McMoRan Inc., New Orleans, Louisiana.
Crescent City Auction Gallery
Jun. 03, 2021
Betty Parsons (1900-1982): Saturn
Est: $2,000 - $4,000
Painted wood construction, 1981, signed 'Betty Parsons', titled and dated on the back. 26 x 26 x 4 in. Property from the Collection of Tom Levine
STAIR
May. 19, 2021
Betty Parsons, And the Music Goes Round
Est: $12,000 - $18,000
Betty Parsons And the Music Goes Round acrylic on wood with Duncan Magic Butterfly Yo-Yo collage 15.75 h × 9.75 w × 2 d in (40 × 25 × 5 cm) Titled to verso 'Music Goes Round'. Provenance: Robert Kidd Gallery, Birmingham, MI | The Estate of Ray Frost Fleming | Acquired from the previous in 2014, Private Collection | Private Collection | Private Collection, New York This work will ship from Rago in Lambertville, New Jersey. Condition of the item is not included in this description. Condition reports are available from Rago upon request. Rago strongly recommends that you review a condition report for each item on which you plan to bid. Email condition@ragoarts.com to request a condition report.
Rago Arts and Auction Center
Oct. 07, 2020
Betty Parsons (1900-1982) - Orenda II
Est: $5,000 - $7,000
Betty Parsons (1900-1982) Orenda II oil, wood and metal collage on found wood 43 x 37 x 21 5/8 in. (109.2 x 94 x 54.9 cm.)
Christie's