What's it Worth?

Moses (1860–1961) was a late bloomer who began painting in her 70s. Her American primitive genre paintings, focusing on scenes from rural life, are considered some of the best examples of 20th-century American folk art. During her subsequent 30-year artistic career, she created more than 1,500 works. I am convinced you indeed own a painting by Grandma Moses. Finding a “new” picture not in the catalog résumé of an artist is exciting! Sold at auction, Moses paintings typically bring $10,000 or more. However, before you get too excited, consider two factors. First, your painting is small, and while typical of her hand, it lacks the pizzazz of many of her larger works. Second, some paint is flaking. Now, the good news. The low-side value of your painting is $2,500. At an auction where several collectors compete, it could reach and even exceed $4,000!