Long-Lost Georgia O’Keeffe Landscape to Be Auctioned in New York

A significant early landscape by Georgia O’Keeffe, titled Near Abiquiu, New Mexico I, is set to be auctioned at Christie’s New York on November 17, 2026. The painting was recently rediscovered after being stored in its original gallery packing inside a closet in an East Village apartment. It remained unknown to the family until the owner, described as an extremely private and accomplished woman, revealed its existence to her niece shortly before her passing.

Near Abiquiu, New Mexico I is believed to be the first in a series of three works depicting Lobo Peak in New Mexico, north of Taos Pueblo. The second painting in the series is held by the Metropolitan Museum of Art, while the third is in a private collection, previously owned by David and Peggy Rockefeller. The rediscovered painting reflects O’Keeffe’s fascination with the New Mexico landscape, which she explored extensively in her modern abstract style, highlighting curving forms, bright sunlight, and a wide spectrum of colours.

The work is dominated by earth tones and rich impasto, inviting viewers into a direct dialogue with the landscape. It exemplifies O’Keeffe’s interest in New Mexico’s unique qualities of light and air, which contrast sharply with the dense urban environment of New York City. O’Keeffe herself expressed a deep connection to this view of Lobo Mountain, describing it in a letter to her husband Alfred Stieglitz and expressing a desire to paint it repeatedly.

Following the painting’s rediscovery, the niece contacted Christie’s, which conducted an expert evaluation and decided to include the work in its 20th Century Evening Sale. The painting will be a highlight of Christie’s Marquee Week in New York, which runs from November 7 to November 17 and features notable collections including those of Clive Davis and Herbert Lust.

The public can view Near Abiquiu, New Mexico I and other works offered during Marquee Week at a free exhibition at Christie’s New York, located at 20 Rockefeller Center, from November 7 until November 17. The auction estimate for the painting is between $3 million and $5 million.