Marjorie Reed
1915-1996
A Long Wait
MEDIUM: Oil on canvas
DIMENSIONS: 24 x 30 inches
ESTIMATE: $2,000.00 - $4,000.00
Signed lower left
2026 – AUGUST | LIVE ONLINE,
LOT 092
Additional Information
Provenance: Private collection, California
Marjorie Reed (1915–1996) earned international recognition for her evocative paintings of the Butterfield Overland Mail route and the landscapes of the American Southwest. Inspired by extensive travels along the historic stagecoach trail, Reed developed a distinctive style characterized by vibrant color, expressive brushwork, and a deep appreciation for the history and romance of the frontier. Her work played a significant role in preserving the visual legacy of the Overland Mail and remains highly regarded by collectors of Western art.
A Long Wait exemplifies Reed's ability to blend historical narrative with the dramatic beauty of the Southwestern landscape. Set before an adobe dwelling beneath expansive desert skies, a horse-drawn wagon and its team pause in quiet anticipation, conveying a moment of stillness amid the hardships of frontier travel. Through luminous color, confident brushwork, and a masterful sense of atmosphere, Reed captures both the timeless character of the Southwest and the enduring spirit of those who shaped its history. From a California private collection, this painting is a fine example of the artist's celebrated contribution to Western art.