William Tolliver Sold at Auction Prices

b. 1951 - d. 2000

Notable African-American artist William Tolliver was born in Vicksburg, Mississippi in 1951. Though he lacked formal education and grew up impoverished, he went on to teach himself art through books he found in the library and those brought to him by his mother. His mother, who loved to draw, encouraged his painting after she noticed his talent. Using inexpensive oil pastels and watercolor sets, painter William Tolliver recreated his everyday environment growing up in Mississippi.

Artist William Tolliver's paintings depict farmers, cotton pickers in the field, mothers and children, and street musicians. Bright, color-rich palettes and abstract style elements are common in William Tolliver's African American paintings for sale. Immerse yourself in decades of rich cultural heritage by viewing many captivating mid-century African American paintings online at Invaluable.

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  • William Tolliver Mixed Media Painting "Delilah" (1997)
    Apr. 18, 2025

    William Tolliver Mixed Media Painting "Delilah" (1997)

    Est: $2,400 - $3,600

    William Tolliver (American, 1951-2000). "Delilah" acrylic on print on Arches paper, n.d. Hand-signed at lower right. Numbered 46/99 at lower left. A magnificent abstract figural composition by self-taught African-American artist William Tolliver featuring a bust-length view of the biblical Delilah with flowers and ornaments in her hair. Tolliver painted half of Delilah's face in rich mahogany tones with long black hair suggesting that she was a Philistine of North African descent, and the other half in golden hues with tresses rendered in green, red, and yellow - the colors of West African Kente cloth. Each color carries meaning: gold = status and serenity; red = passion; and yellow = fertility. Tolliver's oeuvre combines his modernist approach - in this case a Cubist style emphasizing strong outlines and contrasting color fields - with his strong connection to an African ancestral past. In his words, "My goal is to bring to the forefront the seriousness of art as a person's heritage. I want my art to serve as a history lesson." Size (image): 26.25" L x 18.75" W (66.7 cm x 47.6 cm) Size (sheet): 30" L x 22.4" W (76.2 cm x 56.9 cm) About the artist: William Tolliver was an exceptional African-American artist of the 20th century. Tolliver was one of fourteen children born into a Vicksburg, Mississippi sharecropping family. Drawn to visual art at a young age, Tolliver taught himself to paint and draw, because there was no art class in his local school. By age eight, William was mowing lawns to earn money for art supplies. In addition, his mother, Ella Mae Tolliver, worked full time in the cotton fields to support her children, but still managed to foster their interest in art. She borrowed art books on European masters such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Rubens, and Rembrandt from the local library and even organized drawing contests between William and his siblings. Furthermore, according to an interview with Galerie Royale in New Orleans, William learned to make academically correct paintings by completing paint-by-number kits at a very young age. "There is no better teacher," he declared. "Everything is diagrammed, every little spot, every color. Once I did one or two of those, I understood the principles." Perhaps these lessons derived from paint-by-numbers in conjunction with William's study of modern artists fueled his later Cubist-style works. At age 14, William dropped out of school to work with Job Corps in Los Angeles where he learned skills from a carpenter teacher, and by the 1980s, he was living in Lafayette, Louisiana with his wife Debrah who took it upon herself to show his paintings to Bob Crutchfield, owner of Live Oak Gallery. These were received very well, and all nine paintings sold in ten days, igniting his career as an artist! William Tolliver's art has been exhibited at the Smithsonian, the Contemporary Arts Center of New Orleans, the New Orleans Museum of Art, and the rotunda of the US Senate Building in Washington, DC. In addition, he was commissioned to create a poster for the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, Georgia. Tolliver's art is held in the permanent collections of elite museums such as the Corcoran Museum, the Hampton University Museum, New Orleans Museum of Art, McKissick Museum, and the Zigler Museum. In addition, his works have been featured in important publications including the International Review of African American Art and The Art Gallery International. (Sources: Zigler Art Museum and The International Review of African American Art) Please Note: William Tolliver's "Delilah" is currently listed by Heritages Fine Art for $9500 USD. Both are from the same limited edition of 99. Provenance: private Vicksburg, Mississippi, USA collection All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids. We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience. SHIPPING EXCEPTIONS: Due to customs clearance issues, we are unable to ship to Germany, Switzerland and Australia. If you live in Germany, Switzerland or Australia, you will need to provide an alternate shipping destination, or we will not be able to complete your purchase. In addition, please note that we are unable to ship ancient items back to the original country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.) PAYMENT EXCEPTION: Unless a known customer of Artemis, payment for all gold / precious metal / gem lots must be made via Bank Wire Transfer or Certified Bank Check/Money Order, no exceptions. #184823

    Artemis Fine Arts
  • William Tolliver, American/Louisiana 1951-2000, "Cotton Choppers", pastel and mixed media on paper, 24 5/8 x 38 5/8 in. (62.5 x 98.1 cm.), Frame: 32 x 46 x 1 1/2 in. (81.3 x 116.8 x 3.8 cm.)
    Apr. 04, 2025

    William Tolliver, American/Louisiana 1951-2000, "Cotton Choppers", pastel and mixed media on paper, 24 5/8 x 38 5/8 in. (62.5 x 98.1 cm.), Frame: 32 x 46 x 1 1/2 in. (81.3 x 116.8 x 3.8 cm.)

    Est: $2,500 - $3,500

    William Tolliver American/Louisiana, 1951-2000 "Cotton Choppers" pastel and mixed media on paper signed lower left, inscribed "86294" lower right edge and en verso, framed.

    Neal Auction Company
  • William Tolliver Charcoal on Board - Nude (1990s)
    Mar. 20, 2025

    William Tolliver Charcoal on Board - Nude (1990s)

    Est: $6,000 - $9,000

    William Tolliver (American, 1951-2000). Nude study, charcoal on plywood, ca. 1991 to 1992. Signed at lower left. A rare charcoal study by self-taught African-American artist William Tolliver depicting a female nude in a classic reclining pose akin to a Renaissance Venus. Tolliver rendered the voluptuous figure leaning against her left side, her right hand placed upon her left forearm, and her long legs elegantly crossed. What's more, he conveyed the motion of the figure with lyrical, repeating lines and overlapping effects. Note how the subject's face is rendered twice in order to both capture her direct gaze as well as her gently bowed head. Tolliver considered himself to be a serious Modernist in the tradition of Cezanne and Picasso; however, he also worked in a traditional formalist sense. Bailey Guidroz of the Zigler Art Museum captured this best with the following, "While his work is traditional in a formalist sense, his exploration of the limits of wet and dry media is a fairly modern venture. (M)uch of his career was spent maintaining the delicate balance between the proven methods of the old masters and his independent pursuit of contemporary creative liberation, resulting in a totally unique manner of creating." (Zigler Art Museum website) Size: 32.25" L x 44" W (81.9 cm x 111.8 cm) About the artist: William Tolliver was an exceptional African-American artist of the 20th century. Tolliver was one of fourteen children born into a Vicksburg, Mississippi sharecropping family. Drawn to visual art at a young age, Tolliver taught himself to paint and draw, because there was no art class in his local school. By age eight, William was mowing lawns to earn money for art supplies. In addition, his mother, Ella Mae Tolliver, worked full time in the cotton fields to support her children, but still managed to foster their interest in art. She borrowed art books on European masters such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Rubens, and Rembrandt from the local library and even organized drawing contests between William and his siblings. Furthermore, according to an interview with Galerie Royale in New Orleans, William learned to make academically correct paintings by completing paint-by-number kits at a very young age. "There is no better teacher," he declared. "Everything is diagrammed, every little spot, every color. Once I did one or two of those, I understood the principles." Perhaps these lessons derived from paint-by-numbers in conjunction with William's study of modern artists fueled his later Cubist-style works. At age 14, William dropped out of school to work with Job Corps in Los Angeles where he learned skills from a carpenter teacher, and by the 1980s, he was living in Lafayette, Louisiana with his wife Debrah who took it upon herself to show his paintings to Bob Crutchfield, owner of Live Oak Gallery. These were received very well, and all nine paintings sold in ten days, igniting his career as an artist! William Tolliver's art has been exhibited at the Smithsonian, the Contemporary Arts Center of New Orleans, the New Orleans Museum of Art, and the rotunda of the US Senate Building in Washington, DC. In addition, he was commissioned to create a poster for the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, Georgia. Tolliver's art is held in the permanent collections of elite museums such as the Corcoran Museum, the Hampton University Museum, New Orleans Museum of Art, McKissick Museum, and the Zigler Museum. In addition, his works have been featured in important publications including the International Review of African American Art and The Art Gallery International. (Sources: Zigler Art Museum and The International Review of African American Art) Provenance: private Vicksburg, Mississippi, USA collection All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids. We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience. SHIPPING EXCEPTIONS: Due to customs clearance issues, we are unable to ship to Germany, Switzerland and Australia. If you live in Germany, Switzerland or Australia, you will need to provide an alternate shipping destination, or we will not be able to complete your purchase. In addition, please note that we are unable to ship ancient items back to the original country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.) PAYMENT EXCEPTION: Unless a known customer of Artemis, payment for all gold / precious metal / gem lots must be made via Bank Wire Transfer or Certified Bank Check/Money Order, no exceptions. #184833

    Artemis Fine Arts
  • William Tolliver, 1951-2000, Woman in a Cotton Field
    Mar. 15, 2025

    William Tolliver, 1951-2000, Woman in a Cotton Field

    Est: $3,000 - $4,000

    William Tolliver 1951-2000 Woman in a Cotton Field 1987 pastel on paper 13 x 10 inches (irregular shape) signed and dated Provenance: private collection, Los Angeles, CA

    Black Art Auction
  • William Tolliver, 1951-2000, Woman Deep in Thought
    Mar. 15, 2025

    William Tolliver, 1951-2000, Woman Deep in Thought

    Est: $2,000 - $3,000

    William Tolliver 1951-2000 Woman Deep in Thought 1988 offset lithograph 34-1/2 x 21-5/8 inches signed, 13/250 Provenance: private collection, Los Angeles, CA

    Black Art Auction
  • William Tolliver, 1951-2000, Saxophonist
    Mar. 15, 2025

    William Tolliver, 1951-2000, Saxophonist

    Est: $4,500 - $6,500

    William Tolliver 1951-2000 Saxophonist 1980 acrylic and collage elements 40 x 40 inches signed Provenance: the estate of the artist; brother of the artist

    Black Art Auction
  • William Tolliver, 1951-2000, Jug Band
    Mar. 15, 2025

    William Tolliver, 1951-2000, Jug Band

    Est: $2,000 - $3,000

    William Tolliver 1951-2000 Jug Band 1992 serigraph 29 x 39-3/4 inches signed, titled, numbered, 179/350 Provenance: private collection, Los Angeles, CA

    Black Art Auction
  • William Tolliver, 1951-2000, Woman with Fruit
    Mar. 15, 2025

    William Tolliver, 1951-2000, Woman with Fruit

    Est: $4,500 - $6,500

    William Tolliver 1951-2000 Woman with Fruit 1990 acrylic and collage on canvas 36 x 24 inches signed Provenance: the estate of the artist; the artist's brother

    Black Art Auction
  • William Tolliver, 1951-2000, Smokin'
    Mar. 15, 2025

    William Tolliver, 1951-2000, Smokin'

    Est: $2,000 - $3,000

    William Tolliver 1951-2000 Smokin' 1991 serigraph 32-1/2 x26-1/4 inches signed, titled, numbered, 184/350 Provenance: private collection, Los Angeles, CA

    Black Art Auction
  • William Tolliver, 1951-2000, Feeding the Chickens
    Mar. 15, 2025

    William Tolliver, 1951-2000, Feeding the Chickens

    Est: $2,000 - $3,000

    William Tolliver 1951-2000 Feeding the Chickens 1989 color lithograph 34-1/2 x 23-1/2 inches signed, titled, dated and numbered, 165/850 COA Provenance: private collection, Los Angeles, CA

    Black Art Auction
  • William Tolliver Mixed Media Painting "Delilah" (1997)
    Mar. 14, 2025

    William Tolliver Mixed Media Painting "Delilah" (1997)

    Est: $2,600 - $3,900

    **Originally Listed At $2000** William Tolliver (American, 1951-2000). "Delilah" acrylic on print on Arches paper, n.d. Hand-signed at lower right. Numbered 46/99 at lower left. A magnificent abstract figural composition by self-taught African-American artist William Tolliver featuring a bust-length view of the biblical Delilah with flowers and ornaments in her hair. Tolliver painted half of Delilah's face in rich mahogany tones with long black hair suggesting that she was a Philistine of North African descent, and the other half in golden hues with tresses rendered in green, red, and yellow - the colors of West African Kente cloth. Each color carries meaning: gold = status and serenity; red = passion; and yellow = fertility. Tolliver's oeuvre combines his modernist approach - in this case a Cubist style emphasizing strong outlines and contrasting color fields - with his strong connection to an African ancestral past. In his words, "My goal is to bring to the forefront the seriousness of art as a person's heritage. I want my art to serve as a history lesson." Size (image): 26.25" L x 18.75" W (66.7 cm x 47.6 cm) Size (sheet): 30" L x 22.4" W (76.2 cm x 56.9 cm) About the artist: William Tolliver was an exceptional African-American artist of the 20th century. Tolliver was one of fourteen children born into a Vicksburg, Mississippi sharecropping family. Drawn to visual art at a young age, Tolliver taught himself to paint and draw, because there was no art class in his local school. By age eight, William was mowing lawns to earn money for art supplies. In addition, his mother, Ella Mae Tolliver, worked full time in the cotton fields to support her children, but still managed to foster their interest in art. She borrowed art books on European masters such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Rubens, and Rembrandt from the local library and even organized drawing contests between William and his siblings. Furthermore, according to an interview with Galerie Royale in New Orleans, William learned to make academically correct paintings by completing paint-by-number kits at a very young age. "There is no better teacher," he declared. "Everything is diagrammed, every little spot, every color. Once I did one or two of those, I understood the principles." Perhaps these lessons derived from paint-by-numbers in conjunction with William's study of modern artists fueled his later Cubist-style works. At age 14, William dropped out of school to work with Job Corps in Los Angeles where he learned skills from a carpenter teacher, and by the 1980s, he was living in Lafayette, Louisiana with his wife Debrah who took it upon herself to show his paintings to Bob Crutchfield, owner of Live Oak Gallery. These were received very well, and all nine paintings sold in ten days, igniting his career as an artist! William Tolliver's art has been exhibited at the Smithsonian, the Contemporary Arts Center of New Orleans, the New Orleans Museum of Art, and the rotunda of the US Senate Building in Washington, DC. In addition, he was commissioned to create a poster for the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, Georgia. Tolliver's art is held in the permanent collections of elite museums such as the Corcoran Museum, the Hampton University Museum, New Orleans Museum of Art, McKissick Museum, and the Zigler Museum. In addition, his works have been featured in important publications including the International Review of African American Art and The Art Gallery International. (Sources: Zigler Art Museum and The International Review of African American Art) Please Note: William Tolliver's "Delilah" is currently listed by Heritages Fine Art for $9500 USD. Both are from the same limited edition of 99. Provenance: private Vicksburg, Mississippi, USA collection All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids. We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience. SHIPPING EXCEPTIONS: Due to customs clearance issues, we are unable to ship to Germany, Switzerland and Australia. If you live in Germany, Switzerland or Australia, you will need to provide an alternate shipping destination, or we will not be able to complete your purchase. In addition, please note that we are unable to ship ancient items back to the original country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.) PAYMENT EXCEPTION: Unless a known customer of Artemis, payment for all gold / precious metal / gem lots must be made via Bank Wire Transfer or Certified Bank Check/Money Order, no exceptions. #184823

    Artemis Fine Arts
  • William Tolliver Mixed Media Painting "Delilah" (1997)
    Feb. 14, 2025

    William Tolliver Mixed Media Painting "Delilah" (1997)

    Est: $2,800 - $4,200

    William Tolliver (American, 1951-2000). "Delilah" acrylic on print on Arches paper, n.d. Hand-signed at lower right. Numbered 46/99 at lower left. A magnificent abstract figural composition by self-taught African-American artist William Tolliver featuring a bust-length view of the biblical Delilah with flowers and ornaments in her hair. Tolliver painted half of Delilah's face in rich mahogany tones with long black hair suggesting that she was a Philistine of North African descent, and the other half in golden hues with tresses rendered in green, red, and yellow - the colors of West African Kente cloth. Each color carries meaning: gold = status and serenity; red = passion; and yellow = fertility. Tolliver's oeuvre combines his modernist approach - in this case a Cubist style emphasizing strong outlines and contrasting color fields - with his strong connection to an African ancestral past. In his words, "My goal is to bring to the forefront the seriousness of art as a person's heritage. I want my art to serve as a history lesson." Size (image): 26.25" L x 18.75" W (66.7 cm x 47.6 cm) Size (sheet): 30" L x 22.4" W (76.2 cm x 56.9 cm) About the artist: William Tolliver was an exceptional African-American artist of the 20th century. Tolliver was one of fourteen children born into a Vicksburg, Mississippi sharecropping family. Drawn to visual art at a young age, Tolliver taught himself to paint and draw, because there was no art class in his local school. By age eight, William was mowing lawns to earn money for art supplies. In addition, his mother, Ella Mae Tolliver, worked full time in the cotton fields to support her children, but still managed to foster their interest in art. She borrowed art books on European masters such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Rubens, and Rembrandt from the local library and even organized drawing contests between William and his siblings. Furthermore, according to an interview with Galerie Royale in New Orleans, William learned to make academically correct paintings by completing paint-by-number kits at a very young age. "There is no better teacher," he declared. "Everything is diagrammed, every little spot, every color. Once I did one or two of those, I understood the principles." Perhaps these lessons derived from paint-by-numbers in conjunction with William's study of modern artists fueled his later Cubist-style works. At age 14, William dropped out of school to work with Job Corps in Los Angeles where he learned skills from a carpenter teacher, and by the 1980s, he was living in Lafayette, Louisiana with his wife Debrah who took it upon herself to show his paintings to Bob Crutchfield, owner of Live Oak Gallery. These were received very well, and all nine paintings sold in ten days, igniting his career as an artist! William Tolliver's art has been exhibited at the Smithsonian, the Contemporary Arts Center of New Orleans, the New Orleans Museum of Art, and the rotunda of the US Senate Building in Washington, DC. In addition, he was commissioned to create a poster for the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, Georgia. Tolliver's art is held in the permanent collections of elite museums such as the Corcoran Museum, the Hampton University Museum, New Orleans Museum of Art, McKissick Museum, and the Zigler Museum. In addition, his works have been featured in important publications including the International Review of African American Art and The Art Gallery International. (Sources: Zigler Art Museum and The International Review of African American Art) Please Note: William Tolliver's "Delilah" is currently listed by Heritages Fine Art for $9500 USD. Both are from the same limited edition of 99. Provenance: private Vicksburg, Mississippi, USA collection All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids. We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience. SHIPPING EXCEPTIONS: Due to customs clearance issues, we are unable to ship to Germany, Switzerland and Australia. If you live in Germany, Switzerland or Australia, you will need to provide an alternate shipping destination, or we will not be able to complete your purchase. In addition, please note that we are unable to ship ancient items back to the original country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.) PAYMENT EXCEPTION: Unless a known customer of Artemis, payment for all gold / precious metal / gem lots must be made via Bank Wire Transfer or Certified Bank Check/Money Order, no exceptions. #184823

    Artemis Fine Arts
  • WILLIAM TOLLIVER (AMERICAN, 1951-2000)
    Jan. 31, 2025

    WILLIAM TOLLIVER (AMERICAN, 1951-2000)

    Est: $300 - $600

    William Tolliver American, 1951-2000 Mixed media on artist board Signed lower left. Colorful abstract composition, matted and framed.

    Selkirk Auctioneers & Appraisers
  • William Tolliver Charcoal on Board - Nude (1990s)
    Jan. 17, 2025

    William Tolliver Charcoal on Board - Nude (1990s)

    Est: $6,500 - $10,000

    **Back At Auction Due To Non-Paying Bidder** William Tolliver (American, 1951-2000). Nude study, charcoal on plywood, ca. 1991 to 1992. Signed at lower left. A rare charcoal study by self-taught African-American artist William Tolliver depicting a female nude in a classic reclining pose akin to a Renaissance Venus. Tolliver rendered the voluptuous figure leaning against her left side, her right hand placed upon her left forearm, and her long legs elegantly crossed. What's more, he conveyed the motion of the figure with lyrical, repeating lines and overlapping effects. Note how the subject's face is rendered twice in order to both capture her direct gaze as well as her gently bowed head. Tolliver considered himself to be a serious Modernist in the tradition of Cezanne and Picasso; however, he also worked in a traditional formalist sense. Bailey Guidroz of the Zigler Art Museum captured this best with the following, "While his work is traditional in a formalist sense, his exploration of the limits of wet and dry media is a fairly modern venture. (M)uch of his career was spent maintaining the delicate balance between the proven methods of the old masters and his independent pursuit of contemporary creative liberation, resulting in a totally unique manner of creating." (Zigler Art Museum website) Size: 32.25" L x 44" W (81.9 cm x 111.8 cm) About the artist: William Tolliver was an exceptional African-American artist of the 20th century. Tolliver was one of fourteen children born into a Vicksburg, Mississippi sharecropping family. Drawn to visual art at a young age, Tolliver taught himself to paint and draw, because there was no art class in his local school. By age eight, William was mowing lawns to earn money for art supplies. In addition, his mother, Ella Mae Tolliver, worked full time in the cotton fields to support her children, but still managed to foster their interest in art. She borrowed art books on European masters such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Rubens, and Rembrandt from the local library and even organized drawing contests between William and his siblings. Furthermore, according to an interview with Galerie Royale in New Orleans, William learned to make academically correct paintings by completing paint-by-number kits at a very young age. "There is no better teacher," he declared. "Everything is diagrammed, every little spot, every color. Once I did one or two of those, I understood the principles." Perhaps these lessons derived from paint-by-numbers in conjunction with William's study of modern artists fueled his later Cubist-style works. At age 14, William dropped out of school to work with Job Corps in Los Angeles where he learned skills from a carpenter teacher, and by the 1980s, he was living in Lafayette, Louisiana with his wife Debrah who took it upon herself to show his paintings to Bob Crutchfield, owner of Live Oak Gallery. These were received very well, and all nine paintings sold in ten days, igniting his career as an artist! William Tolliver's art has been exhibited at the Smithsonian, the Contemporary Arts Center of New Orleans, the New Orleans Museum of Art, and the rotunda of the US Senate Building in Washington, DC. In addition, he was commissioned to create a poster for the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, Georgia. Tolliver's art is held in the permanent collections of elite museums such as the Corcoran Museum, the Hampton University Museum, New Orleans Museum of Art, McKissick Museum, and the Zigler Museum. In addition, his works have been featured in important publications including the International Review of African American Art and The Art Gallery International. (Sources: Zigler Art Museum and The International Review of African American Art) Provenance: private Vicksburg, Mississippi, USA collection All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids. We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience. SHIPPING EXCEPTIONS: Due to customs clearance issues, we are unable to ship to Germany, Switzerland and Australia. If you live in Germany, Switzerland or Australia, you will need to provide an alternate shipping destination, or we will not be able to complete your purchase. In addition, please note that we are unable to ship ancient items back to the original country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.) PAYMENT EXCEPTION: Unless a known customer of Artemis, payment for all gold / precious metal / gem lots must be made via Bank Wire Transfer or Certified Bank Check/Money Order, no exceptions. #184833

    Artemis Gallery
  • William Tolliver Mixed Media Painting (1997)
    Jan. 09, 2025

    William Tolliver Mixed Media Painting (1997)

    Est: $2,800 - $4,200

    William Tolliver (American, 1951-2000). Acrylic on print on Arches paper, 1997. Signed at lower right. "P/P" (printers proof) at lower left. A striking abstract figural composition by self-taught African-American artist William Tolliver presenting the head of a woman facing the viewer. Tolliver's modernist approach features bold forms and contrasting color fields of red, green, blue, and gold, further embellished with wonderful heavily impastoed passages, most notably on her red lips and in the blue section of the background. Tolliver considered himself to be a serious Modernist in the tradition of Cezanne and Picasso. In his words, "Nothing in my paintings are for decoration. Everything serves a purpose in creating the mood or atmosphere of a painting." Size(image): 21" L x 13.25" W (53.3 cm x 33.7 cm) Size (sheet): 22.25" L x 14.875" W (56.5 cm x 37.8 cm) About the artist: William Tolliver was an exceptional African-American artist of the 20th century. Tolliver was one of fourteen children born into a Vicksburg, Mississippi sharecropping family. Drawn to visual art at a young age, Tolliver taught himself to paint and draw, because there was no art class in his local school. By age eight, William was mowing lawns to earn money for art supplies. In addition, his mother, Ella Mae Tolliver, worked full time in the cotton fields to support her children, but still managed to foster their interest in art. She borrowed art books on European masters such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Rubens, and Rembrandt from the local library and even organized drawing contests between William and his siblings. Furthermore, according to an interview with Galerie Royale in New Orleans, William learned to make academically correct paintings by completing paint-by-number kits at a very young age. "There is no better teacher," he declared. "Everything is diagrammed, every little spot, every color. Once I did one or two of those, I understood the principles." Perhaps these lessons derived from paint-by-numbers in conjunction with William's study of modern artists fueled his later Cubist-style works. At age 14, William dropped out of school to work with Job Corps in Los Angeles where he learned skills from a carpenter teacher, and by the 1980s, he was living in Lafayette, Louisiana with his wife Debrah who took it upon herself to show his paintings to Bob Crutchfield, owner of Live Oak Gallery. These were received very well, and all nine paintings sold in ten days, igniting his career as an artist! William Tolliver's art has been exhibited at the Smithsonian, the Contemporary Arts Center of New Orleans, the New Orleans Museum of Art, and the rotunda of the US Senate Building in Washington, DC. In addition, he was commissioned to create a poster for the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, Georgia. Tolliver's art is held in the permanent collections of elite museums such as the Corcoran Museum, the Hampton University Museum, New Orleans Museum of Art, McKissick Museum, and the Zigler Museum. In addition, his works have been featured in important publications including the International Review of African American Art and The Art Gallery International. (Sources: Zigler Art Museum and The International Review of African American Art) Provenance: private Vicksburg, Mississippi, USA collection All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids. We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience. SHIPPING EXCEPTIONS: Due to customs clearance issues, we are unable to ship to Germany, Switzerland and Australia. If you live in Germany, Switzerland or Australia, you will need to provide an alternate shipping destination, or we will not be able to complete your purchase. In addition, please note that we are unable to ship ancient items back to the original country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.) PAYMENT EXCEPTION: Unless a known customer of Artemis, payment for all gold / precious metal / gem lots must be made via Bank Wire Transfer or Certified Bank Check/Money Order, no exceptions. #184830

    Artemis Gallery
  • William Tolliver, 1951-2000, Two Visages
    Dec. 14, 2024

    William Tolliver, 1951-2000, Two Visages

    Est: $5,000 - $7,000

    William Tolliver 1951-2000 Two Visages 1995 acrylic and metallic paint on canvas 48 x 36 inches signed, COA Provenance: private collection, Virginia

    Black Art Auction
  • WILLIAM TOLLIVER PINK AND ORANGE FIGURAL PRINT
    Dec. 04, 2024

    WILLIAM TOLLIVER PINK AND ORANGE FIGURAL PRINT

    Est: $200 - $400

    William Tolliver (American, 1951- 2000). Untitled - Abstract Face, collotype on heavy cotton rag cardstock, with artist name and inventory numbers in pencil verso. Framed. Provenance: Private Collection of Lucy Allen, Atlanta, GA. Approximate dimensions: plate h. 20", w. 16"; frame h. 30.5", w. 26.5", d. 1".

    Ahlers & Ogletree Inc.
  • WILLIAM TOLLIVER 'BULLFIGHTER' SEPIA PRINT
    Dec. 04, 2024

    WILLIAM TOLLIVER 'BULLFIGHTER' SEPIA PRINT

    Est: $300 - $500

    William Tolliver (American, 1951-2000). 'Bullfighter', sepia print on paper, artist proof, titled in pencil to LC, and signed in ink 'William Tolliver' to LR. Framed. Provenance: Private Collection of Lucy Allen, Atlanta, GA. Approximate dimensions: image h. 15.75", w. 19.5"; frame h. 29.625", w. 33.375", d. 1.5".

    Ahlers & Ogletree Inc.
  • WILLIAM TOLLIVER, DANCER IN FIELD, WOODBLOCK
    Dec. 04, 2024

    WILLIAM TOLLIVER, DANCER IN FIELD, WOODBLOCK

    Est: $400 - $800

    William Tolliver (American, 1951-2000). Untitled - Dancer in Motion - monochromatic woodblock print in black on cream paper, 'A/P' in pencil to LL margin, signed 'William Tolliver' in pencil to LR. Framed. Provenance: Private Collection of Lucy Allen, Atlanta, GA. Approximate dimensions: image h.15.5", w. 24"; frame h. 25", w. 33.5", d. 1".

    Ahlers & Ogletree Inc.
  • WILLIAM TOLLIVER 'WOMAN WITH WINE GLASS' SERIGRAPH
    Dec. 04, 2024

    WILLIAM TOLLIVER 'WOMAN WITH WINE GLASS' SERIGRAPH

    Est: $400 - $600

    William Tolliver ( American,1951-2000). 'Woman with Wine Glass', serigraph on paper, edition 126/300, titled in pencil to LC, and signed in pencil 'William Tolliver' to LR. Matted, unframed. Provenance: Private Collection of Lucy Allen, Atlanta, GA. Approximate dimensions: sheet h. 30", w. 40".

    Ahlers & Ogletree Inc.
  • WILLIAM TOLLIVER, 'SHADOW', MODERN LITHO PORTRAIT
    Dec. 04, 2024

    WILLIAM TOLLIVER, 'SHADOW', MODERN LITHO PORTRAIT

    Est: $500 - $700

    William Tolliver (American, 1951-2000). 'Shadow', color lithograph, signed in pencil to LR, 'A950023', titled, medium, and artist name in graphite to verso. Framed. Provenance: Private Collection of Lucy Allen, Atlanta, GA. Approximate dimensions: sheet h. 16", w. 13"; frame h. 21", w. 18.125", d. 0.75".

    Ahlers & Ogletree Inc.
  • WILLIAM TOLLIVER, 'SWEET DREAMS', SERIGRAPH, 8/135
    Dec. 04, 2024

    WILLIAM TOLLIVER, 'SWEET DREAMS', SERIGRAPH, 8/135

    Est: $500 - $700

    William Tolliver (American, 1951-2000). 'Sweet Dreams', serigraph, edition 8/135, titled, numbered and signed 'William Tolliver' in pencil to lower margin. Framed. Provenance: Private Collection of Lucy Allen, Atlanta, GA. Approximate dimensions: sight h. 38.75", w. 25"; frame h. 53.125", w. 39", d. 2".

    Ahlers & Ogletree Inc.
  • WILLIAM TOLLIVER 'ADORA' LIMITED EDITION LITHO
    Dec. 04, 2024

    WILLIAM TOLLIVER 'ADORA' LIMITED EDITION LITHO

    Est: $600 - $800

    William Tolliver (American, 1951-2000). 'Adora', lithograph, printed by Chameleon Editions Inc., on Coventry 320 rag paper, limited edtion 8/350, titled 'Adora' in pencil to LC, and signed 'William Tolliver' in pencil to LR. Framed. Provenance: Private Collection of Lucy Allen, Atlanta, GA. Approximate dimensions: image h. 21", w. 16"; frame h. 31.75", w. 27", d. 1.5".

    Ahlers & Ogletree Inc.
  • WILLIAM TOLLIVER 'SMOKING' LITHOGRAPH ON PAPER
    Dec. 04, 2024

    WILLIAM TOLLIVER 'SMOKING' LITHOGRAPH ON PAPER

    Est: $600 - $800

    William Tolliver (American, 1951-2000). 'Smoking', limited edition lithograph on paper, titled, edition 135/350, signed 'William Tolliver' in pencil to LR. Framed. Provenance: Private Collection of Lucy Allen, Atlanta, GA. Approximate dimensions: sight h. 33.75", w. 27"; frame h. 46.75", w. 40", d. 2".

    Ahlers & Ogletree Inc.
  • WILLIAM TOLLIVER 'RECLINING NUDE' LITHOGRAPH
    Dec. 04, 2024

    WILLIAM TOLLIVER 'RECLINING NUDE' LITHOGRAPH

    Est: $700 - $900

    William Tolliver (American, 1951-2000). 'Reclining Nude', color lithograph, edition 65/350, titled, numbered and signed 'William Tolliver' in pencil to LR, publisher D.R. &W. Fine Arts, Atlanta, printer Chameleon Editions, Inc. Framed. Provenance: Private Collection of Lucy Allen, Atlanta, GA. Approximate dimensions: image h. 20", w. 40"; frame h. 34.125", w. 54.125", d. 1.5".

    Ahlers & Ogletree Inc.
  • WILLIAM TOLLIVER 'HOUSE ON PEARL STREET' LITHO
    Dec. 04, 2024

    WILLIAM TOLLIVER 'HOUSE ON PEARL STREET' LITHO

    Est: $800 - $1,200

    William Tolliver (American, 1951-2000). 'House on Pearl Street', lithograph on paper, signed 'William Tolliver', titled and numbered 22/350 in lower margin, COA on file. Framed. Provenance: Private Collection of Lucy Allen, Atlanta, GA. Approximate dimensions: sight h. 35", w. 31.5"; frame h. 46.5", w. 42.25", d. 1.5".

    Ahlers & Ogletree Inc.
  • WILLIAM TOLLIVER, BRONZE FIGURAL BUST, SIGNED
    Dec. 04, 2024

    WILLIAM TOLLIVER, BRONZE FIGURAL BUST, SIGNED

    Est: $1,000 - $2,000

    William Tolliver (American, 1951-2000). Untitled - Male Head - undated, patinated cast bronze, signed in mold to back. Provenance: Private Collection of Lucy Allen, Atlanta, GA. Approximate dimensions: h. 11.75", w. 5.25", d. 6.25".

    Ahlers & Ogletree Inc.
  • WILLIAM TOLLIVER, ABSTRACT FIGURE, MIXED MEDIA
    Dec. 04, 2024

    WILLIAM TOLLIVER, ABSTRACT FIGURE, MIXED MEDIA

    Est: $1,000 - $2,000

    William Tolliver (American, 1951-2000). Untitled - Abstract Female figure, mixed media on heavy cotton rag paper, signed 'William Tolliver' to LL. Framed. Provenance: Private Collection of Lucy Allen, Atlanta, GA. Approximate dimensions: image h. 28.25", w. 17.25"; frame h. 38.25", w. 30.25", d. 2".

    Ahlers & Ogletree Inc.
  • WILLIAM TOLLIVER ABSTRACT COLOR STUDY OIL ON PAPER
    Dec. 04, 2024

    WILLIAM TOLLIVER ABSTRACT COLOR STUDY OIL ON PAPER

    Est: $1,500 - $2,500

    William Tolliver (American, 1951-2000). Untitled - Abstract Color Study, oil on paper, signed 'William Tolliver to' LR. Framed. Provenance: Private Collection of Lucy Allen, Atlanta, GA. Approximate dimensions: image h. 24", w. 31.625"; frame h. 35.125", w. 48.5", d. 1.5".

    Ahlers & Ogletree Inc.
  • WILLIAM TOLLIVER, TWO FISHERMAN, OIL ON CANVAS
    Dec. 04, 2024

    WILLIAM TOLLIVER, TWO FISHERMAN, OIL ON CANVAS

    Est: $8,000 - $12,000

    William Tolliver (American, 1951-2000). Untitled - Two Young Men Fishing, oil on canvas, signed in blue paint 'William Tolliver' to LR. Framed. Provenance: Private Collection of Lucy Allen, Atlanta, GA. Approximate dimensions: canvas h. 48", w. 60"; frame h. 50", w. 61.75", d. 2".

    Ahlers & Ogletree Inc.
  • WILLIAM TOLLIVER FIGURAL PAINTING OF A WOMAN MM/C
    Dec. 04, 2024

    WILLIAM TOLLIVER FIGURAL PAINTING OF A WOMAN MM/C

    Est: $3,000 - $5,000

    William Tolliver (American, 1951-2000). Untitled - Figure of a Woman, mixed media on canvas, signed 'William Tolliver' to LR. Frame. Provenance: Private Collection of Lucy Allen, Atlanta, GA. Approximate dimensions: canvas h. 35.75", w. 35.75"; frame h. 43.5", w. 43.5", d. 3".

    Ahlers & Ogletree Inc.
  • William Tolliver, American/Louisiana 1951-2000, Cotton Choppers, pastel and mixed media on paper, 24 5/8 in. x 38 5/8 in
    Nov. 22, 2024

    William Tolliver, American/Louisiana 1951-2000, Cotton Choppers, pastel and mixed media on paper, 24 5/8 in. x 38 5/8 in

    Est: $5,000 - $7,000

    William Tolliver American/Louisiana, 1951-2000 Cotton Choppers pastel and mixed media on paper Signed lower left, sheet 24 5/8 in. x 38 5/8 in., framed, overall 32 in. x 46 in. x 1 1/2 in. Provenance: Neal Auction, Jan. 31, 2015, lot 332.

    Neal Auction Company
  • William Tolliver, American/Louisiana 1951-2000, Three Figures Picking Cotton, acrylic on canvas monotype, 39 in. x 32 in.
    Nov. 22, 2024

    William Tolliver, American/Louisiana 1951-2000, Three Figures Picking Cotton, acrylic on canvas monotype, 39 in. x 32 in.

    Est: $2,000 - $3,000

    William Tolliver American/Louisiana, 1951-2000 Three Figures Picking Cotton acrylic on canvas monotype Signed lower left, 39 in. x 32 in., framed, overall 41 1/4 in. x 34 1/2 in. x 2 in. Provenance: Neal Auction, Sept. 14, 2014, lot 807.

    Neal Auction Company
  • William Tolliver Charcoal on Board - Nude (1990s)
    Nov. 15, 2024

    William Tolliver Charcoal on Board - Nude (1990s)

    Est: $6,500 - $10,000

    This lot is oversized / heavy and will require 3rd party shipping - please inquire before bidding. William Tolliver (American, 1951-2000). Nude study, charcoal on plywood, ca. 1991 to 1992. Signed at lower left. A rare charcoal study by self-taught African-American artist William Tolliver depicting a female nude in a classic reclining pose akin to a Renaissance Venus. Tolliver rendered the voluptuous figure leaning against her left side, her right hand placed upon her left forearm, and her long legs elegantly crossed. What's more, he conveyed the motion of the figure with lyrical, repeating lines and overlapping effects. Note how the subject's face is rendered twice in order to both capture her direct gaze as well as her gently bowed head. Tolliver considered himself to be a serious Modernist in the tradition of Cezanne and Picasso; however, he also worked in a traditional formalist sense. Bailey Guidroz of the Zigler Art Museum captured this best with the following, "While his work is traditional in a formalist sense, his exploration of the limits of wet and dry media is a fairly modern venture. (M)uch of his career was spent maintaining the delicate balance between the proven methods of the old masters and his independent pursuit of contemporary creative liberation, resulting in a totally unique manner of creating." (Zigler Art Museum website) Size: 32.25" L x 44" W (81.9 cm x 111.8 cm) About the artist: William Tolliver was an exceptional African-American artist of the 20th century. Tolliver was one of fourteen children born into a Vicksburg, Mississippi sharecropping family. Drawn to visual art at a young age, Tolliver taught himself to paint and draw, because there was no art class in his local school. By age eight, William was mowing lawns to earn money for art supplies. In addition, his mother, Ella Mae Tolliver, worked full time in the cotton fields to support her children, but still managed to foster their interest in art. She borrowed art books on European masters such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Rubens, and Rembrandt from the local library and even organized drawing contests between William and his siblings. Furthermore, according to an interview with Galerie Royale in New Orleans, William learned to make academically correct paintings by completing paint-by-number kits at a very young age. "There is no better teacher," he declared. "Everything is diagrammed, every little spot, every color. Once I did one or two of those, I understood the principles." Perhaps these lessons derived from paint-by-numbers in conjunction with William's study of modern artists fueled his later Cubist-style works. At age 14, William dropped out of school to work with Job Corps in Los Angeles where he learned skills from a carpenter teacher, and by the 1980s, he was living in Lafayette, Louisiana with his wife Debrah who took it upon herself to show his paintings to Bob Crutchfield, owner of Live Oak Gallery. These were received very well, and all nine paintings sold in ten days, igniting his career as an artist! William Tolliver's art has been exhibited at the Smithsonian, the Contemporary Arts Center of New Orleans, the New Orleans Museum of Art, and the rotunda of the US Senate Building in Washington, DC. In addition, he was commissioned to create a poster for the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, Georgia. Tolliver's art is held in the permanent collections of elite museums such as the Corcoran Museum, the Hampton University Museum, New Orleans Museum of Art, McKissick Museum, and the Zigler Museum. In addition, his works have been featured in important publications including the International Review of African American Art and The Art Gallery International. (Sources: Zigler Art Museum and The International Review of African American Art) Provenance: private Vicksburg, Mississippi, USA collection All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids. We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience. #184833

    Artemis Gallery
  • William Tolliver Original Landscape
    Oct. 06, 2024

    William Tolliver Original Landscape

    Est: $1,200 - $1,500

    William Tolliver (American 1951 - 2000). Bright and lively landscape for your enjoyment every time you view it! Medium: Oil on canvas. Condition: Very good viewing condition with no visible issues. Size: 18 x 24 in. Frame: 23 x 29 in. William Tolliver spent more than 30 of his 48 years perfecting his skill as a painter. His style freely combines the color of Chagall with the solid compositional principles of Cezanne and the mood and forms of Modigliani and Picasso. Expect to pay $2500 and up in a gallery. Congratulations to the winning bidder!

    Four Seasons Auction Gallery
  • WILLIAM TOLLIVER (1951 - 2000) Country Road.
    Oct. 03, 2024

    WILLIAM TOLLIVER (1951 - 2000) Country Road.

    Est: $2,000 - $3,000

    WILLIAM TOLLIVER (1951 - 2000) Country Road. Oil on cotton canvas, 1985. 203x254 mm; 8x10 inches. Signed in oil, lower right. Provenance: the estate of Constance E. Clayton, Philadelphia.

    Swann Auction Galleries
  • WILLIAM TOLLIVER (AMERICAN, 1951-2000)
    Aug. 24, 2024

    WILLIAM TOLLIVER (AMERICAN, 1951-2000)

    Est: $200 - $600

    William Tolliver American, 1951-2000 Oil on board Signed lower right. 3/4 length formal portrait of a woman in light blue dress, said to be the artist's sister, unframed. Provenance: Acquired from artist's half-brother in 2022. William Tolliver, born in 1951, was a native of Vicksburg, Mississippi, one of 14 children. A self-taught artist, Tolliver rose to prominence during the mid-1980s, in Lafayette, Louisiana. As a regional talent, he was impelled by a desire to capture the landscapes and people of his native deep South from everyday workers to the street jazz musicians. His paintings have been included in the Art in Embassies Program of the United States Department of State and exhibited in the rotunda of the United States Capitol Building in Washington, as well as permanent collections of the Corcoran Museum, McKissick Museum, Hampton University Museum, New Orleans Museum of Art and the Zigler Museum.

    Selkirk Auctioneers & Appraisers
  • WILLIAM TOLLIVER (AMERICAN, 1951-2000)
    Aug. 24, 2024

    WILLIAM TOLLIVER (AMERICAN, 1951-2000)

    Est: $800 - $1,200

    William Tolliver American, 1951-2000 Oil on canvas Signed lower right. Brightly colored cubist-style portrait of a woman, framed. Provenance: Acquired from artist's half-brother in 2022. William Tolliver, born in 1951, was a native of Vicksburg, Mississippi, one of 14 children. A self-taught artist, Tolliver rose to prominence during the mid-1980s, in Lafayette, Louisiana. As a regional talent, he was impelled by a desire to capture the landscapes and people of his native deep South from everyday workers to the street jazz musicians. His paintings have been included in the Art in Embassies Program of the United States Department of State and exhibited in the rotunda of the United States Capitol Building in Washington, as well as permanent collections of the Corcoran Museum, McKissick Museum, Hampton University Museum, New Orleans Museum of Art and the Zigler Museum.

    Selkirk Auctioneers & Appraisers
  • WILLIAM TOLLIVER (AMERICAN, 1951-2000)
    Aug. 24, 2024

    WILLIAM TOLLIVER (AMERICAN, 1951-2000)

    Est: $800 - $1,200

    William Tolliver American, 1951-2000 Oil on canvas Signed lower left. Brightly colored impressionistic landscape, unframed. Provenance: Acquired from artist's half-brother in 2022. William Tolliver, born in 1951, was a native of Vicksburg, Mississippi, one of 14 children. A self-taught artist, Tolliver rose to prominence during the mid-1980s, in Lafayette, Louisiana. As a regional talent, he was impelled by a desire to capture the landscapes and people of his native deep South from everyday workers to the street jazz musicians. His paintings have been included in the Art in Embassies Program of the United States Department of State and exhibited in the rotunda of the United States Capitol Building in Washington, as well as permanent collections of the Corcoran Museum, McKissick Museum, Hampton University Museum, New Orleans Museum of Art and the Zigler Museum.

    Selkirk Auctioneers & Appraisers
  • WILLIAM TOLLIVER (AMERICAN, 1951-2000)
    Aug. 24, 2024

    WILLIAM TOLLIVER (AMERICAN, 1951-2000)

    Est: $500 - $800

    William Tolliver American, 1951-2000 Madonna & Child Monotype on canvas Signed in plate lower right and noted 'P/P' lower left. Colorful depiction of Madonna and child, with geometric background. Framed with title and medium also noted on back of stretcher. Provenance: Acquired from artist's half-brother in 2022. William Tolliver, born in 1951, was a native of Vicksburg, Mississippi, one of 14 children. A self-taught artist, Tolliver rose to prominence during the mid-1980s, in Lafayette, Louisiana. As a regional talent, he was impelled by a desire to capture the landscapes and people of his native deep South from everyday workers to the street jazz musicians. His paintings have been included in the Art in Embassies Program of the United States Department of State and exhibited in the rotunda of the United States Capitol Building in Washington, as well as permanent collections of the Corcoran Museum, McKissick Museum, Hampton University Museum, New Orleans Museum of Art and the Zigler Museum.

    Selkirk Auctioneers & Appraisers
  • WILLIAM TOLLIVER (AMERICAN, 1951-2000)
    Aug. 24, 2024

    WILLIAM TOLLIVER (AMERICAN, 1951-2000)

    Est: $200 - $600

    William Tolliver American, 1951-2000 Oil on foam board Signed lower left. Brightly colored abstract composition, unframed. Provenance: Acquired from artist's half-brother in 2022. William Tolliver, born in 1951, was a native of Vicksburg, Mississippi, one of 14 children. A self-taught artist, Tolliver rose to prominence during the mid-1980s, in Lafayette, Louisiana. As a regional talent, he was impelled by a desire to capture the landscapes and people of his native deep South from everyday workers to the street jazz musicians. His paintings have been included in the Art in Embassies Program of the United States Department of State and exhibited in the rotunda of the United States Capitol Building in Washington, as well as permanent collections of the Corcoran Museum, McKissick Museum, Hampton University Museum, New Orleans Museum of Art and the Zigler Museum.

    Selkirk Auctioneers & Appraisers
  • WILLIAM TOLLIVER (AMERICAN, 1951-2000)
    Aug. 24, 2024

    WILLIAM TOLLIVER (AMERICAN, 1951-2000)

    Est: $500 - $800

    William Tolliver American, 1951-2000 Acrylic enhanced print on paper Signed lower left and numbered 23/99. Colorful depiction of a bass player, matted and framed. Provenance: Acquired from artist's half-brother in 2022. William Tolliver, born in 1951, was a native of Vicksburg, Mississippi, one of 14 children. A self-taught artist, Tolliver rose to prominence during the mid-1980s, in Lafayette, Louisiana. As a regional talent, he was impelled by a desire to capture the landscapes and people of his native deep South from everyday workers to the street jazz musicians. His paintings have been included in the Art in Embassies Program of the United States Department of State and exhibited in the rotunda of the United States Capitol Building in Washington, as well as permanent collections of the Corcoran Museum, McKissick Museum, Hampton University Museum, New Orleans Museum of Art and the Zigler Museum.

    Selkirk Auctioneers & Appraisers
  • WILLIAM TOLLIVER (AMERICAN, 1951-2000)
    Aug. 24, 2024

    WILLIAM TOLLIVER (AMERICAN, 1951-2000)

    Est: $500 - $800

    William Tolliver American, 1951-2000 Three Musicians Monotype on canvas Signed in plate lower right and noted 'P/P' lower left. Colorful depiction of three men playing instruments, matted and framed. Provenance: Acquired from artist's half-brother in 2022. William Tolliver, born in 1951, was a native of Vicksburg, Mississippi, one of 14 children. A self-taught artist, Tolliver rose to prominence during the mid-1980s, in Lafayette, Louisiana. As a regional talent, he was impelled by a desire to capture the landscapes and people of his native deep South from everyday workers to the street jazz musicians. His paintings have been included in the Art in Embassies Program of the United States Department of State and exhibited in the rotunda of the United States Capitol Building in Washington, as well as permanent collections of the Corcoran Museum, McKissick Museum, Hampton University Museum, New Orleans Museum of Art and the Zigler Museum.

    Selkirk Auctioneers & Appraisers
  • William Tolliver Charcoal on Board - Nude (1990s)
    Aug. 02, 2024

    William Tolliver Charcoal on Board - Nude (1990s)

    Est: $7,000 - $10,500

    William Tolliver (American, 1951-2000). Nude study, charcoal on plywood, ca. 1991 to 1992. Signed at lower left. A rare charcoal study by self-taught African-American artist William Tolliver depicting a female nude in a classic reclining pose akin to a Renaissance Venus. Tolliver rendered the voluptuous figure leaning against her left side, her right hand placed upon her left forearm, and her long legs elegantly crossed. What's more, he conveyed the motion of the figure with lyrical, repeating lines and overlapping effects. Note how the subject's face is rendered twice in order to both capture her direct gaze as well as her gently bowed head. Tolliver considered himself to be a serious Modernist in the tradition of Cezanne and Picasso; however, he also worked in a traditional formalist sense. Bailey Guidroz of the Zigler Art Museum captured this best with the following, "While his work is traditional in a formalist sense, his exploration of the limits of wet and dry media is a fairly modern venture. (M)uch of his career was spent maintaining the delicate balance between the proven methods of the old masters and his independent pursuit of contemporary creative liberation, resulting in a totally unique manner of creating." (Zigler Art Museum website) Size: 32.25" L x 44" W (81.9 cm x 111.8 cm) About the artist: William Tolliver was an exceptional African-American artist of the 20th century. Tolliver was one of fourteen children born into a Vicksburg, Mississippi sharecropping family. Drawn to visual art at a young age, Tolliver taught himself to paint and draw, because there was no art class in his local school. By age eight, William was mowing lawns to earn money for art supplies. In addition, his mother, Ella Mae Tolliver, worked full time in the cotton fields to support her children, but still managed to foster their interest in art. She borrowed art books on European masters such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Rubens, and Rembrandt from the local library and even organized drawing contests between William and his siblings. Furthermore, according to an interview with Galerie Royale in New Orleans, William learned to make academically correct paintings by completing paint-by-number kits at a very young age. "There is no better teacher," he declared. "Everything is diagrammed, every little spot, every color. Once I did one or two of those, I understood the principles." Perhaps these lessons derived from paint-by-numbers in conjunction with William's study of modern artists fueled his later Cubist-style works. At age 14, William dropped out of school to work with Job Corps in Los Angeles where he learned skills from a carpenter teacher, and by the 1980s, he was living in Lafayette, Louisiana with his wife Debrah who took it upon herself to show his paintings to Bob Crutchfield, owner of Live Oak Gallery. These were received very well, and all nine paintings sold in ten days, igniting his career as an artist! William Tolliver's art has been exhibited at the Smithsonian, the Contemporary Arts Center of New Orleans, the New Orleans Museum of Art, and the rotunda of the US Senate Building in Washington, DC. In addition, he was commissioned to create a poster for the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, Georgia. Tolliver's art is held in the permanent collections of elite museums such as the Corcoran Museum, the Hampton University Museum, New Orleans Museum of Art, McKissick Museum, and the Zigler Museum. In addition, his works have been featured in important publications including the International Review of African American Art and The Art Gallery International. (Sources: Zigler Art Museum and The International Review of African American Art) Provenance: private Vicksburg, Mississippi, USA collection All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids. We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience. #184833

    Artemis Gallery
  • William Tolliver Mixed Media Painting (1997)
    Aug. 02, 2024

    William Tolliver Mixed Media Painting (1997)

    Est: $3,000 - $4,500

    William Tolliver (American, 1951-2000). Acrylic on print on Arches paper, 1997. Signed at lower right. "P/P" (printers proof) at lower left. A striking abstract figural composition by self-taught African-American artist William Tolliver presenting the head of a woman facing the viewer. Tolliver's modernist approach features bold forms and contrasting color fields of red, green, blue, and gold, further embellished with wonderful heavily impastoed passages, most notably on her red lips and in the blue section of the background. Tolliver considered himself to be a serious Modernist in the tradition of Cezanne and Picasso. In his words, "Nothing in my paintings are for decoration. Everything serves a purpose in creating the mood or atmosphere of a painting." Size(image): 21" L x 13.25" W (53.3 cm x 33.7 cm) Size (sheet): 22.25" L x 14.875" W (56.5 cm x 37.8 cm) About the artist: William Tolliver was an exceptional African-American artist of the 20th century. Tolliver was one of fourteen children born into a Vicksburg, Mississippi sharecropping family. Drawn to visual art at a young age, Tolliver taught himself to paint and draw, because there was no art class in his local school. By age eight, William was mowing lawns to earn money for art supplies. In addition, his mother, Ella Mae Tolliver, worked full time in the cotton fields to support her children, but still managed to foster their interest in art. She borrowed art books on European masters such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Rubens, and Rembrandt from the local library and even organized drawing contests between William and his siblings. Furthermore, according to an interview with Galerie Royale in New Orleans, William learned to make academically correct paintings by completing paint-by-number kits at a very young age. "There is no better teacher," he declared. "Everything is diagrammed, every little spot, every color. Once I did one or two of those, I understood the principles." Perhaps these lessons derived from paint-by-numbers in conjunction with William's study of modern artists fueled his later Cubist-style works. At age 14, William dropped out of school to work with Job Corps in Los Angeles where he learned skills from a carpenter teacher, and by the 1980s, he was living in Lafayette, Louisiana with his wife Debrah who took it upon herself to show his paintings to Bob Crutchfield, owner of Live Oak Gallery. These were received very well, and all nine paintings sold in ten days, igniting his career as an artist! William Tolliver's art has been exhibited at the Smithsonian, the Contemporary Arts Center of New Orleans, the New Orleans Museum of Art, and the rotunda of the US Senate Building in Washington, DC. In addition, he was commissioned to create a poster for the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, Georgia. Tolliver's art is held in the permanent collections of elite museums such as the Corcoran Museum, the Hampton University Museum, New Orleans Museum of Art, McKissick Museum, and the Zigler Museum. In addition, his works have been featured in important publications including the International Review of African American Art and The Art Gallery International. (Sources: Zigler Art Museum and The International Review of African American Art) Provenance: private Vicksburg, Mississippi, USA collection All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids. We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience. #184830

    Artemis Gallery
  • William Tolliver Mixed Media Painting - Sheba
    Jul. 26, 2024

    William Tolliver Mixed Media Painting - Sheba

    Est: $2,800 - $4,200

    William Tolliver (American, 1951-2000). "Sheba" acrylic on print on Arches paper, 1997. Signed at lower left. "P/P" (printers proof) at lower right. A striking abstract figural composition by self-taught African-American artist William Tolliver presenting a bust-length view of Sheba, the queen of Egypt and Ethiopia, facing the viewer. Tolliver's modernist approach features bold forms and contrasting color fields of red, yellow, blue, violet, black, beige, and gold further embellished with loose brushwork and wonderful impastoed passages. Tolliver considered himself to be a serious Modernist in the tradition of Cezanne and Picasso. In his words, "Nothing in my paintings are for decoration. Everything serves a purpose in creating the mood or atmosphere of a painting." In addition, Tolliver's pride as a black man extended to his art. In his words, "My goal is to bring to the forefront the seriousness of art as a person's heritage. I want my art to serve as a history lesson." Size: 26" L x 18.625" W (66 cm x 47.3 cm) Size (mat): 31.125" L x 23.5" W (79.1 cm x 59.7 cm) About the artist: William Tolliver was an exceptional African-American artist of the 20th century. Tolliver was one of fourteen children born into a Vicksburg, Mississippi sharecropping family. Drawn to visual art at a young age, Tolliver taught himself to paint and draw, because there was no art class in his local school. By age eight, William was mowing lawns to earn money for art supplies. In addition, his mother, Ella Mae Tolliver, worked full time in the cotton fields to support her children, but still managed to foster their interest in art. She borrowed art books on European masters such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Rubens, and Rembrandt from the local library and even organized drawing contests between William and his siblings. Furthermore, according to an interview with Galerie Royale in New Orleans, William learned to make academically correct paintings by completing paint-by-number kits at a very young age. "There is no better teacher," he declared. "Everything is diagrammed, every little spot, every color. Once I did one or two of those, I understood the principles." Perhaps these lessons derived from paint-by-numbers in conjunction with William's study of modern artists fueled his later Cubist-style works. At age 14, William dropped out of school to work with Job Corps in Los Angeles where he learned skills from a carpenter teacher, and by the 1980s, he was living in Lafayette, Louisiana with his wife Debrah who took it upon herself to show his paintings to Bob Crutchfield, owner of Live Oak Gallery. These were received very well, and all nine paintings sold in ten days, igniting his career as an artist! William Tolliver's art has been exhibited at the Smithsonian, the Contemporary Arts Center of New Orleans, the New Orleans Museum of Art, and the rotunda of the US Senate Building in Washington, DC. In addition, he was commissioned to create a poster for the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, Georgia. Tolliver's art is held in the permanent collections of elite museums such as the Corcoran Museum, the Hampton University Museum, New Orleans Museum of Art, McKissick Museum, and the Zigler Museum. In addition, his works have been featured in important publications including the International Review of African American Art and The Art Gallery International. (Sources: Zigler Art Museum and The International Review of African American Art) Please Note: William Tolliver's "Sheba" is currently listed by Heritages Fine Art for $12,000 USD and by Grandpa's Art for $9,875. Both are from the same limited edition of 99. Provenance: private Vicksburg, Mississippi, USA collection All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids. We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience. #184832

    Artemis Gallery
  • William Tolliver Mixed Media Painting "Delilah" (1997)
    Jul. 18, 2024

    William Tolliver Mixed Media Painting "Delilah" (1997)

    Est: $3,200 - $4,800

    William Tolliver (American, 1951-2000). "Delilah" acrylic on print on Arches paper, n.d. Hand-signed at lower right. Numbered 46/99 at lower left. A magnificent abstract figural composition by self-taught African-American artist William Tolliver featuring a bust-length view of the biblical Delilah with flowers and ornaments in her hair. Tolliver painted half of Delilah's face in rich mahogany tones with long black hair suggesting that she was a Philistine of North African descent, and the other half in golden hues with tresses rendered in green, red, and yellow - the colors of West African Kente cloth. Each color carries meaning: gold = status and serenity; red = passion; and yellow = fertility. Tolliver's oeuvre combines his modernist approach - in this case a Cubist style emphasizing strong outlines and contrasting color fields - with his strong connection to an African ancestral past. In his words, "My goal is to bring to the forefront the seriousness of art as a person's heritage. I want my art to serve as a history lesson." Size (image): 26.25" L x 18.75" W (66.7 cm x 47.6 cm) Size (sheet): 30" L x 22.4" W (76.2 cm x 56.9 cm) About the artist: William Tolliver was an exceptional African-American artist of the 20th century. Tolliver was one of fourteen children born into a Vicksburg, Mississippi sharecropping family. Drawn to visual art at a young age, Tolliver taught himself to paint and draw, because there was no art class in his local school. By age eight, William was mowing lawns to earn money for art supplies. In addition, his mother, Ella Mae Tolliver, worked full time in the cotton fields to support her children, but still managed to foster their interest in art. She borrowed art books on European masters such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Rubens, and Rembrandt from the local library and even organized drawing contests between William and his siblings. Furthermore, according to an interview with Galerie Royale in New Orleans, William learned to make academically correct paintings by completing paint-by-number kits at a very young age. "There is no better teacher," he declared. "Everything is diagrammed, every little spot, every color. Once I did one or two of those, I understood the principles." Perhaps these lessons derived from paint-by-numbers in conjunction with William's study of modern artists fueled his later Cubist-style works. At age 14, William dropped out of school to work with Job Corps in Los Angeles where he learned skills from a carpenter teacher, and by the 1980s, he was living in Lafayette, Louisiana with his wife Debrah who took it upon herself to show his paintings to Bob Crutchfield, owner of Live Oak Gallery. These were received very well, and all nine paintings sold in ten days, igniting his career as an artist! William Tolliver's art has been exhibited at the Smithsonian, the Contemporary Arts Center of New Orleans, the New Orleans Museum of Art, and the rotunda of the US Senate Building in Washington, DC. In addition, he was commissioned to create a poster for the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, Georgia. Tolliver's art is held in the permanent collections of elite museums such as the Corcoran Museum, the Hampton University Museum, New Orleans Museum of Art, McKissick Museum, and the Zigler Museum. In addition, his works have been featured in important publications including the International Review of African American Art and The Art Gallery International. (Sources: Zigler Art Museum and The International Review of African American Art) Please Note: William Tolliver's "Delilah" is currently listed by Heritages Fine Art for $9500 USD. Both are from the same limited edition of 99. Provenance: private Vicksburg, Mississippi, USA collection All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids. We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience. #184823

    Artemis Gallery
  • William Tolliver Mixed Media Painting (1997)
    Jul. 09, 2024

    William Tolliver Mixed Media Painting (1997)

    Est: $3,200 - $4,800

    William Tolliver (American, 1951-2000). Acrylic on print on Arches paper, 1997. Signed at lower right. "P/P" (printers proof) at lower left. A striking abstract figural composition by self-taught African-American artist William Tolliver presenting the head of a woman facing the viewer. Tolliver's modernist approach features bold forms and contrasting color fields of red, green, blue, and gold, further embellished with wonderful heavily impastoed passages, most notably on her red lips and in the blue section of the background. Tolliver considered himself to be a serious Modernist in the tradition of Cezanne and Picasso. In his words, "Nothing in my paintings are for decoration. Everything serves a purpose in creating the mood or atmosphere of a painting." Size(image): 21" L x 13.25" W (53.3 cm x 33.7 cm) Size (sheet): 22.25" L x 14.875" W (56.5 cm x 37.8 cm) About the artist: William Tolliver was an exceptional African-American artist of the 20th century. Tolliver was one of fourteen children born into a Vicksburg, Mississippi sharecropping family. Drawn to visual art at a young age, Tolliver taught himself to paint and draw, because there was no art class in his local school. By age eight, William was mowing lawns to earn money for art supplies. In addition, his mother, Ella Mae Tolliver, worked full time in the cotton fields to support her children, but still managed to foster their interest in art. She borrowed art books on European masters such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Rubens, and Rembrandt from the local library and even organized drawing contests between William and his siblings. Furthermore, according to an interview with Galerie Royale in New Orleans, William learned to make academically correct paintings by completing paint-by-number kits at a very young age. "There is no better teacher," he declared. "Everything is diagrammed, every little spot, every color. Once I did one or two of those, I understood the principles." Perhaps these lessons derived from paint-by-numbers in conjunction with William's study of modern artists fueled his later Cubist-style works. At age 14, William dropped out of school to work with Job Corps in Los Angeles where he learned skills from a carpenter teacher, and by the 1980s, he was living in Lafayette, Louisiana with his wife Debrah who took it upon herself to show his paintings to Bob Crutchfield, owner of Live Oak Gallery. These were received very well, and all nine paintings sold in ten days, igniting his career as an artist! William Tolliver's art has been exhibited at the Smithsonian, the Contemporary Arts Center of New Orleans, the New Orleans Museum of Art, and the rotunda of the US Senate Building in Washington, DC. In addition, he was commissioned to create a poster for the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, Georgia. Tolliver's art is held in the permanent collections of elite museums such as the Corcoran Museum, the Hampton University Museum, New Orleans Museum of Art, McKissick Museum, and the Zigler Museum. In addition, his works have been featured in important publications including the International Review of African American Art and The Art Gallery International. (Sources: Zigler Art Museum and The International Review of African American Art) Provenance: private Vicksburg, Mississippi, USA collection All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids. We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience. #184830

    Artemis Gallery
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