Charles Keller Paintings & Artwork for Sale | Charles Keller Art Value Price Guide

May. 08, 2024
Charles Keller, New York / Italy (1914-2006), mother and child, oil on canvas, 23 1/2" H x 16 1/2" W (frame), 18 1/2" H x 11 1/2" W (sight)
Est: $200 - $300
Charles Keller New York / Italy, (1914-2006) mother and child oil on canvas Signed verso. Following is The New York Times obituary of Charles Keller, published September 17, 2006 and re-published on the website of the artist. Charles Keller, beloved father, artist, political activist, mentor and family patriarch, died August 21, 2006, at the age of 91. Born in 1914, graduated Cornell, 1936, he studied at the Art Students League in the 30's. Keller created a series of lithographs, 1937/41 of "sandhogs" workers constructing the 6th Avenue Subway. He collaborated on murals including one at the 1939 New York World's Fair. He organized artists' associations in the 1940's and was part of a thriving artist's community around 14th St. which included Reginald Marsh, Harry Sternberg, Isabel Bishop, Minna Citron, Yasuo Kuniyoshi, Raphael Soyer, Rockwell Kent. During WWII Keller designed the "Airways to Peace" exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art. His political cartooning began as Art Editor of the New Masses in 1945 and continued until 1988 for the People's Daily World. He was a founder of the art department of the Reference Center for Marxist Studies, 1980. He taught and lectured widely including at Vassar College, Hofstra University and Parsons School of Design. With his family, Keller lived and painted on a co-op farm in Newburgh, NY in the 1950's. He helped organize farm workers with Pete Seeger and others. His passport was revoked until the 1960's when he moved to Rome, Italy for 12 years. Since 1974, he maintained a studio in the East Village, NY, which remains in operation. Keller has exhibited internationally with more than 20 one-person shows including the most recent at The Susan Teller Gallery, NY, in 2004. His cartoons have been included in "Comic Power" at Exit Art, New York in 1993 and "Cartoons/Politics, Personalities" at Wesleyan University in Ohio and "Salon International de la Caricature" in Montreal, Canada, as well as " Satire: Weapon for Peace", traveling exhibitions in the USSR. Most recently Keller has been included in Andrew Hemingway's book, Artists on the Left, published by Yale University Press in 2002, and Order/Disorder, Architectural Transitions in Prints and Photographs, published by the New York Public Library in 1999. His bibliography extends from 1945 to the present. Keller's work can be seen in collections such as the British Museum of Art, the NY Public Library, The Boston Museum of Art, The Library of Congress, The New Britain Museum of American Art, The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, Juilliard School, The Dave and Reba Williams Collection, The Wolfsonian Foundation of Decorative and Propaganda Arts, and The Herbert F. Johnson Museum. He is survived by Martha Keller (the artist known as Marthe Keller) and Kathryn Keller Rule of NY and Daniel Keller of San Francisco and by his former wife, Judith Keller of NYC, and his three grandchildren, Cara Keller, Alexi Keller, and Colter Rule. He was much admired for his joie de vivre, his artistic gifts and as a font of insights into political and social history. He was a loving father, gifted teacher, loyal friend and life-long activist for justice and equality. We shall deeply miss his great spirit. Submitted by Jacob Frank
Ripley Auctions
Apr. 20, 2024
Charles Keller Portrait of Katy Keller, Rome, Italy, mid-1960s
Est: $500 - $1,000
Charles Keller (American, 1914-2006) Portrait of Katy Keller, Rome, Italy, mid-1960s Oil on canvas Signed Charles Keller, lower right Title and date provided by the artist's daughter, Marthe Keller.
Larsen Art Auction
Aug. 06, 2023
Charles Keller(1914-2006) American, O/C
Est: $1,000 - $2,000
Charles Keller(1914-2006), American, O/C. Titled "The Piece Makers" Signed on bottom. 1954. Oil on canvas. Also, an Original Letter from Charles Keller discussing the item. The image is of 2 main characters a politician / businessman and a military officer striking a deal. They are both perceived in a negative light with their assistants or puppeteers directly behind them. The background suggests a room for people of power or high significance, but the imagery suggests a lack of empathy. The career of Charles Keller is one of painter, printmaker, and cartoonist balanced with the role of political activist. Scenes of labor and portraits of the disenfranchised are prominent in his work. A native of Long Island, New York, Keller had a privileged upbringing. He graduated from Cornell University in 1936. He also studied printmaking at the Art Students League, NY, with Harry Sternberg and Will Barnet in the late 1930s and early 40s. Overall Size: 35 1/4 x 41 1/4 in. Sight Size: 27 1/2 x 33 1/2 in. #2731 #16
Sarasota Estate Auction
Apr. 29, 2023
Charles Keller, New York / Italy (1914-2006), mother and child, oil on canvas, 23 1/2" H x 16 1/2" W (frame), 18 1/2" H x 11 1/2" W (sight)
Est: $500 - $700
Charles Keller New York / Italy, (1914-2006) mother and child oil on canvas signed verso. Following is The New York Times obituary of Charles Keller, published September 17, 2006 and re-published on the website of the artist. Charles Keller, beloved father, artist, political activist, mentor and family patriarch, died August 21, 2006, at the age of 91. Born in 1914, graduated Cornell, 1936, he studied at the Art Students League in the 30's. Keller created a series of lithographs, 1937/41 of "sandhogs" workers constructing the 6th Avenue Subway. He collaborated on murals including one at the 1939 New York World's Fair. He organized artists' associations in the 1940's and was part of a thriving artist's community around 14th St. which included Reginald Marsh, Harry Sternberg, Isabel Bishop, Minna Citron, Yasuo Kuniyoshi, Raphael Soyer, Rockwell Kent. During WWII Keller designed the "Airways to Peace" exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art. His political cartooning began as Art Editor of the New Masses in 1945 and continued until 1988 for the People's Daily World. He was a founder of the art department of the Reference Center for Marxist Studies, 1980. He taught and lectured widely including at Vassar College, Hofstra University and Parsons School of Design. With his family, Keller lived and painted on a co-op farm in Newburgh, NY in the 1950's. He helped organize farm workers with Pete Seeger and others. His passport was revoked until the 1960's when he moved to Rome, Italy for 12 years. Since 1974, he maintained a studio in the East Village, NY, which remains in operation. Keller has exhibited internationally with more than 20 one-person shows including the most recent at The Susan Teller Gallery, NY, in 2004. His cartoons have been included in "Comic Power" at Exit Art, New York in 1993 and "Cartoons/Politics, Personalities" at Wesleyan University in Ohio and "Salon International de la Caricature" in Montreal, Canada, as well as " Satire: Weapon for Peace", traveling exhibitions in the USSR. Most recently Keller has been included in Andrew Hemingway's book, Artists on the Left, published by Yale University Press in 2002, and Order/Disorder, Architectural Transitions in Prints and Photographs, published by the New York Public Library in 1999. His bibliography extends from 1945 to the present. Keller's work can be seen in collections such as the British Museum of Art, the NY Public Library, The Boston Museum of Art, The Library of Congress, The New Britain Museum of American Art, The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, Juilliard School, The Dave and Reba Williams Collection, The Wolfsonian Foundation of Decorative and Propaganda Arts, and The Herbert F. Johnson Museum. He is survived by Martha Keller (the artist known as Marthe Keller) and Kathryn Keller Rule of NY and Daniel Keller of San Francisco and by his former wife, Judith Keller of NYC, and his three grandchildren, Cara Keller, Alexi Keller, and Colter Rule. He was much admired for his joie de vivre, his artistic gifts and as a font of insights into political and social history. He was a loving father, gifted teacher, loyal friend and life-long activist for justice and equality. We shall deeply miss his great spirit. Submitted by Jacob Frank
Ripley Auctions
Apr. 22, 2023
Charles Keller Portrait of Katy Keller, Rome, Italy
Est: $1,000 - $2,000
Charles Keller (American, 1914-2006) Portrait of Katy Keller, Rome, Italy, mid-1960s Oil on canvas Signed Charles Keller, lower right Title and date provided by the artist's daughter, Marthe Keller.
Larsen Art Auction
Feb. 25, 2023
Charles Keller, New York / Italy (1914-2006), mother and child, oil on canvas, 23 1/2" H x 16 1/2" W (frame), 18 1/2" H x 11 1/2" W (sight)
Est: $500 - $700
Charles Keller New York / Italy, (1914-2006) mother and child oil on canvas signed verso. Following is The New York Times obituary of Charles Keller, published September 17, 2006 and re-published on the website of the artist. Charles Keller, beloved father, artist, political activist, mentor and family patriarch, died August 21, 2006, at the age of 91. Born in 1914, graduated Cornell, 1936, he studied at the Art Students League in the 30's. Keller created a series of lithographs, 1937/41 of "sandhogs" workers constructing the 6th Avenue Subway. He collaborated on murals including one at the 1939 New York World's Fair. He organized artists' associations in the 1940's and was part of a thriving artist's community around 14th St. which included Reginald Marsh, Harry Sternberg, Isabel Bishop, Minna Citron, Yasuo Kuniyoshi, Raphael Soyer, Rockwell Kent. During WWII Keller designed the "Airways to Peace" exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art. His political cartooning began as Art Editor of the New Masses in 1945 and continued until 1988 for the People's Daily World. He was a founder of the art department of the Reference Center for Marxist Studies, 1980. He taught and lectured widely including at Vassar College, Hofstra University and Parsons School of Design. With his family, Keller lived and painted on a co-op farm in Newburgh, NY in the 1950's. He helped organize farm workers with Pete Seeger and others. His passport was revoked until the 1960's when he moved to Rome, Italy for 12 years. Since 1974, he maintained a studio in the East Village, NY, which remains in operation. Keller has exhibited internationally with more than 20 one-person shows including the most recent at The Susan Teller Gallery, NY, in 2004. His cartoons have been included in "Comic Power" at Exit Art, New York in 1993 and "Cartoons/Politics, Personalities" at Wesleyan University in Ohio and "Salon International de la Caricature" in Montreal, Canada, as well as " Satire: Weapon for Peace", traveling exhibitions in the USSR. Most recently Keller has been included in Andrew Hemingway's book, Artists on the Left, published by Yale University Press in 2002, and Order/Disorder, Architectural Transitions in Prints and Photographs, published by the New York Public Library in 1999. His bibliography extends from 1945 to the present. Keller's work can be seen in collections such as the British Museum of Art, the NY Public Library, The Boston Museum of Art, The Library of Congress, The New Britain Museum of American Art, The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, Juilliard School, The Dave and Reba Williams Collection, The Wolfsonian Foundation of Decorative and Propaganda Arts, and The Herbert F. Johnson Museum. He is survived by Martha Keller (the artist known as Marthe Keller) and Kathryn Keller Rule of NY and Daniel Keller of San Francisco and by his former wife, Judith Keller of NYC, and his three grandchildren, Cara Keller, Alexi Keller, and Colter Rule. He was much admired for his joie de vivre, his artistic gifts and as a font of insights into political and social history. He was a loving father, gifted teacher, loyal friend and life-long activist for justice and equality. We shall deeply miss his great spirit. Submitted by Jacob Frank
Ripley Auctions
Dec. 20, 2022
CHARLES KELLER. TUNNEL HEADING. 1939. LITHO.
Est: $400 - $600
Keller, Charles (American 1914 - 2006). Tunnel Heading - 6th Avenue Subway. 1939. Lithograph on Rives wove paper. Signed, titled, dated, editioned, and dedicated in pencil. 23 Proofs. Dedication: To Lamar Baker. Plate: 12 3/4" x 15 7/8". Sheet: 15 7/8" x 21 1/2". Condition: Very good. Toned.
Quinn's Auction Galleries
Dec. 20, 2022
CHARLES KELLER. OPEN CUT -. 1938. LITHOGRAPH.
Est: $1,200 - $2,400
Keller, Charles (American 1914 - 2006). Open Cut - 6th Avenue Subway. 1938. Lithograph on wove paper. Signed, dated, titled, and editioned in pencil. 20 prints. Plate: 14 1/8" x 11 3/8". Sheet: 18 1/8" x 15 7/8". Condition: Very good. Ink overflow at plate edge.
Quinn's Auction Galleries
Jun. 12, 2021
Charles Keller lithograph
Est: $300 - $500
Charles Keller (American 1914-2006)- ''Tunnel Heading (6th Ave Subway Construction)''- lithograph, 1939, signed, dated and titled in pencil, edition of 25, very good condition. 16 x 12 3/4''
Rachel Davis Fine Arts
Jun. 12, 2021
Charles Keller lithograph
Est: $300 - $500
Charles Keller (American 1914-2006)- ''From High Air to Low''- lithograph, 1937-38, signed, titled and annotated '20 proofs' in pencil, very good condition. 9 3/4 x 13''
Rachel Davis Fine Arts
Feb. 04, 2021
CHARLES KELLER (1914-2006) Concrete Foundations, 6th Avenue Subway.
Est: $1,500 - $2,500
CHARLES KELLER (1914-2006) Concrete Foundations, 6th Avenue Subway . Lithograph. 351x434 mm; 13 7/8x17 1/8 inches, wide margins. Edition of approximately 25 proofs. Signed, dedicated and titled in pencil, lower margin. 1939. A very good impression of this scarce lithograph. Keller was active in New York during the 1930s-40s, and was part of an artists' community in Union Square, where he shared a studio with Harry Sternberg (1904-2001), whom he assisted on murals, including those for the 1939 New York World's Fair. Among Keller's best known works are the lithographs and drawings he made of workers constructing Manhattan's Sixth Avenue subway line during the 1930s. Completed in 1940 and among the costliest and complex commuter rail projects in New York, the Sixth Avenue subway replaced the Sixth Avenue elevated which closed in 1939.
Swann Auction Galleries
Jan. 20, 2020
Charles F. Keller oil on canvas interior scene
Est: $140 - $240
Charles F. Keller (American 1852-1928), oil on canvas interior scene, titled Reflexions, signed lower right and dated 1920, 14" x 22".
Pook & Pook Inc.
Dec. 18, 2019
Charles Keller RITRATTO MASCHILE olio su tela, cm
Est: €250 - €350
Charles Keller RITRATTO MASCHILE olio su tela, cm 40x50 firma L'opera presenta craquelure e abrasioni lungo i margini
LiveBid
Dec. 08, 2018
Charles Keller, American, 1914-1978, Miners, 1939, lithograph, 12 3/4 x 9 1/4 inches
Est: $300 - $500
Charles Keller American, 1914-1978 Miners, 1939 lithograph signed, titled, dated and numbered in pencil in the margin, framed 12 3/4 x 9 1/4 inches
Link Auction Galleries
Nov. 20, 2018
Charles Keller American, 1914-2006 Fishing News, 1961
Est: $1,000 - $1,500
Charles Keller American, 1914-2006 Fishing News, 1961 Signed Charles Keller (ll) Oil and acrylic on canvas 29 1/2 x 20 1/4 inches Provenance: Susan Teller Gallery, New York Exhibited: The League at the Cape, Aug. 14 - Sep. 20, 1993, Provincetown Art Association & Museum, Provincetown, MA C The Patricia and Donald Oresman Collection
DOYLE Auctioneers & Appraisers
Nov. 20, 2018
Charles Keller American, 1914-2006 Arbor Day, 1958
Est: $1,500 - $2,500
Charles Keller American, 1914-2006 Arbor Day, 1958 Signed Charles Keller (lr) Oil on canvas 24 x 30 inches Provenance: The Artist Susan Teller Gallery, New York Exhibited: 77th Annual Exhibition, Nov. 28 - Dec. 17, 1995, American Society of Contemporary Artists, New York C The Patricia and Donald Oresman Collection
DOYLE Auctioneers & Appraisers
Nov. 20, 2018
Charles Keller American, 1914-2006 Lintoyper, 1945
Est: $300 - $500
Charles Keller American, 1914-2006 Lintoyper, 1945 Signed Charles Keller and dated '45 (ll), inscribed as titled (lr) Conte crayon on sketchbook paper 14 x 9 7/8 inches Unframed Provenance: Susan Teller Gallery, New York C The Patricia and Donald Oresman Collection
DOYLE Auctioneers & Appraisers
Oct. 22, 2018
Charles Keller SWING SHIFT Color screenprint
Est: $600 - $800
Charles Keller (1914-1978) SWING SHIFT Color screenprint, 1940, signed, dated, titled and inscribed 35 proofs in pencil, numbered 34/35 in ink and with the artist's reproduction rights inkstamp, with full margins, framed. 9 7/8 x 18 inches; 251 x 457 mm. Sheet 14 x 22 5/8 inches; 356 x 575 mm. C
DOYLE Auctioneers & Appraisers
Jul. 20, 2018
CHARLES KELLER (American, 1914-1978). SEASIDE NEIGHBORHOOD, signed lower left. Gouache.
Est: $150 - $250
CHARLES KELLER (American, 1914-1978). SEASIDE NEIGHBORHOOD, signed lower left. Gouache - Framed, sight: 12 1/2 in. x 21 1/2 in.
Sloans & Kenyon
Apr. 11, 2018
Charles Keller, mixed media
Est: $200 - $300
Charles Keller (American, 1914-2006), Family at dinner table, mixed media on paper, signed lower right, 20"h x 24"w, unframed
Millea Bros Ltd
Jun. 10, 2017
Charles Keller silkscreen
Est: $400 - $700
Charles Keller (American 1914-2006)- ''Planners for Victory / Peoples Meeting''- silkscreen in colors, 1943, signed and dated in pencil, age toned. 11 7/8 x 17 7/8''
Rachel Davis Fine Arts
Mar. 16, 2017
CHARLES KELLER (1914-2006). STOP HOBBS NOW. 1943. 33x22 inches, 85x56 cm.
Est: $500 - $750
CHARLES KELLER (1914-2006) STOP HOBBS NOW. 1943. 33 3/4x22 inches, 85 3/4x56 cm. Condition B+ / A-: tape-repaired tears at edges; minor creases in margins; tape on verso. Hand-signed and dated by the artist in pencil. Paper.
Swann Auction Galleries
Dec. 07, 2016
Charles Keller American, 1914-2006 Tobacco Auction
Est: $300 - $500
Charles Keller American, 1914-2006 Tobacco Auction Signed Charles Keller (lr) Gouache on board 14 x 18 inches C A New England Collection
DOYLE Auctioneers & Appraisers
Jun. 29, 2016
Charles Keller American, 1914-2006 House in Roseton, New York
Est: $100 - $200
Charles Keller American, 1914-2006 House in Roseton, New York Signed Charles Keller (lr) Gouache and ink on board 7 7/8 x 19 7/8 inches Provenance: Susan Teller Gallery, New York Exhibited: New York, Susan Teller Gallery, Charles Keller, A Nineteenth Birthday Celebration, Paintings, Prints and Unique Works on Paper, 1938 to 1960, Dec. 4 - 30, 2004 C A New England Collection
DOYLE Auctioneers & Appraisers
Dec. 12, 2014
CHARLES KELLER (American, 1914-1978). SEASIDE NEIGHBORHOOD, signed lower left. Gouache.
Est: $200 - $300
CHARLES KELLER (American, 1914-1978). SEASIDE NEIGHBORHOOD, signed lower left. Gouache - Framed, sight: 12 1/2 in. x 21 1/2 in.
Sloans & Kenyon
Sep. 20, 2014
CHARLES KELLER (American, 1914-1978). SEASIDE NEIGHBORHOOD, signed lower left. Gouache.
Est: $300 - $500
CHARLES KELLER (American, 1914-1978). SEASIDE NEIGHBORHOOD, signed lower left. Gouache - Framed, sight: 12 1/2 in. x 21 1/2 in.
Sloans & Kenyon
Mar. 08, 2014
Charles Keller (American, 1914-1978) "Miners," 1939, lithograph, 12.75" x 9.25", signed, titled, dated and numbered in pencil in the margin, framed
Est: $200 - $300
Charles Keller (American, 1914-1978) "Miners," 1939, lithograph, 12.75" x 9.25", signed, titled, dated and numbered in pencil in the margin, framed
Toomey & Co. Auctioneers
Jun. 08, 2013
Charles Keller Miners lithograph
Est: $400 - $600
Charles Keller (American, 1914-1978) "Miners," 1939, lithograph, 12.5" x 9.25", pencil signed and dated lower right, titled lower left, unframed
Toomey & Co. Auctioneers
Nov. 01, 2009
CHARLES KELLER, (AMERICAN, 1914-1978), "BREAKING PAVEMENT"
Est: $600 - $1,000
CHARLES KELLER (american, 1914-1978) "BREAKING PAVEMENT" 1937, signed, titled and dated in pencil, inscribed '20 prints', with wide margins. Lithograph on wove paper image: 13 1/2 x 10 1/8 in. (34.3 x 25.7cm) sheet: 19 5/8 x 15 1/4 in. (49.9 x 38.7cm) provenance: Weyhe Gallery, Mt. Desert, ME. Lehman Brothers. Note: This lot is to be sold not subject to a reserve.
Freeman's | Hindman
Nov. 01, 2009
CHARLES KELLER, (AMERICAN, 1914-1978), "SIXTH AVENUE SUBWAY"
Est: $600 - $1,000
CHARLES KELLER (american, 1914-1978) "SIXTH AVENUE SUBWAY" 1938, signed, titled and dated in pencil, inscribed '20 prints', with wide margins. Lithograph on wove paper. image: 14 x 11 1/4 in. (35.6 x 28.5cm) provenance: Weyhe Gallery, Mt. Desert, ME. Lehman Brothers. Note: This lot is to be sold not subject to a reserve.
Freeman's | Hindman
May. 06, 2007
CHARLES KELLER (AMERICAN, 1914-1978)
Est: $250 - $350
CHARLES KELLER (AMERICAN, 1914-1978) Crayon on paper. Combing his hair. Signed, dated 69 lower left. 17.5 x 15.25" mat cut.
Stamford Auction
Feb. 24, 2007
KELLER, CHARLES
Est: $400 - $500
CHARLES KELLER (1914-2006) American painter & printmaker, Social Realist & W.P.A. artist, sympathetic to labor and racial equality, well represented in museums such as the British Museum of Art, The Smithsonian, Library of Congress, Schomburg Center and more. A rare and attractive signed lithograph, an early labor portrayal entitled "Concrete Foundations - 6th Avenue Subway" and dated "1939", portraying a black man and a white man working together to mix concrete being poured from a cement truck with other figures working in a dusky atmospheric background, with the words "Brooklyn, NY" visible on truck. Deftly executed in black and white charcoal with dry point etching. Overall size 22 1/2" x 16" with an image area of 17" x 13 3/4". Titled edition ("25 proofs"), date and full signature in pencil beneath image in margin. Condition good with one 2" tape repair at bottom left near title, various creases, faint soiling and toning do not detract significantly, edges rough but sufficiently clear of image area. Keller's devotion to the causes of racial equality and social justice are on full display in the aptly titled "Concrete Foundations". $400-500
Alexander Historical Auctions LLC
Feb. 24, 2007
KELLER, CHARLES
Est: $300 - $400
CHARLES KELLER Rare signed lithograph, an early labor piece (undated), entitled "High Air to Low ", with Keller's social conscience on full display, combining strong dark brush strokes, charcoal and dry point to grimly depict the plight of four exhausted mineshaft workers of mixed race. Approximately 16" x 11 1/2", clearly signed, titled, & editioned "25 proofs" in pencil in the margin under the image. Top edge ragged, one vertical crease visible at right, neglible folds, otherwise suitable for framing. $300-400
Alexander Historical Auctions LLC
Jan. 13, 2005
CHARLES KELLER
Est: $400 - $600
Figure Composition. Color crayons and charcoal on cream wove paper. 507x610 mm; 20x24 1/4 inches. Signed in crayon, lower right.
Swann Auction Galleries
Oct. 16, 2004
A LITHOGRAPH
Est: -
A LITHOGRAPH; "The Drillers" by Charles Keller, 1937, edition of 25, pencil signed lr. "Charles Keller 1937", title in pencil, 14-1/4" x 10-3/4", matted and framed
Nye & Company
Jun. 10, 2004
CHARLES KELLER
Est: $500 - $750
Figure Composition. Color crayons and charcoal on cream wove paper. 507x610 mm; 20x24 1/4 inches. Signed in crayon, lower right.
Swann Auction Galleries