Freeman’s to Present Important Pennsylvania Impressionist Works from the Martin Estate in November 3 Auction

On November 3, Freeman’s will present Pride of Place: Works from the Estate of Sydney F. and Sharon B. Martin – Part II, a distinguished collection of 30 paintings celebrating the landscapes, communities, and artistic traditions of Pennsylvania and the Delaware River Valley. Taking place in Philadelphia, the auction brings together important works by leading Pennsylvania Impressionists, including Daniel Garber, Edward Willis Redfield, George William Sotter, and Walter Emerson Baum, reflecting the Martins’ lifelong appreciation for the artists who captured the region they called home.

The Martins were avid and early collectors of Pennsylvania Impressionism, assembling a collection distinguished by its quality, depth, and strong regional focus. Rooted in their affection for Bucks County, Pennsylvania and its artistic heritage, the collection reflects a discerning eye for works that capture the character of the region, from the rolling countryside and historic villages of the Delaware River Valley to its changing seasons and distinctive light.

The November auction follows Freeman’s successful first offering from the estate in June 2023, when 24 of the 25 works offered found buyers. The second installment presents another opportunity to acquire paintings from this thoughtfully assembled collection, including significant examples by some of the most celebrated artists associated with the New Hope School.

Adam Veil, VP, Head of Department, American Art & Pennsylvania Impressionists, states: “The Martins' collection is a heartfelt tribute to the place they loved, and the quality of the paintings reflects the care with which it was assembled. Freeman's has long been committed to Pennsylvania Impressionism, and this group is among the finest we've had the privilege to offer.”

Auction Highlights

Lot 20 | Daniel Garber, Stockton, 1922
Estimate: $150,000 – 250,000

Among the auction’s leading highlights is Daniel Garber’s Stockton, an evocative view of the Delaware River and the village of Stockton, New Jersey. Painted in 1922, the composition captures a leisurely summer afternoon, with figures playing croquet on a sunlit lawn overlooking the river and the village beyond. Garber’s luminous palette, broken brushwork, and carefully structured composition exemplify the artist’s celebrated approach to the landscapes of the Delaware River Valley.

Painted at the height of Garber’s maturity, Stockton reflects his ability to unite the atmospheric qualities of Impressionism with a remarkable sense of clarity and form. The painting also boasts an extensive exhibition history, including at the Corcoran Gallery of Art, and has been featured in several notable publications on Pennsylvania Impressionism.

Two significant works by Edward Willis Redfield showcase the artist’s mastery of the Pennsylvania landscape across the seasons. Spring Veil, a monumental depiction of the Delaware River Valley in full bloom, is among the largest canvases produced by the artist, measuring more than four feet in height. Its bold brushwork and vibrant palette capture the energy of spring, while its importance to Redfield is underscored by his decision to retain the painting throughout his lifetime. The work has been extensively exhibited and published, including in exhibitions at the James A. Michener Art Museum.

In contrast, Winter in New Hope captures daily life in the historic Bucks County village on a snow-covered morning. A horse-drawn sleigh, villagers going about their routines, and colorful homes bring warmth and activity to the winter scene. Richly textured passages of snow and a brilliant turquoise sky exemplify Redfield’s celebrated approach to winter landscapes, which remain among his most admired works.

George William Sotter’s Mill-Spring Valley offers a striking contrast to the sunlit landscapes of Garber and Redfield. Celebrated for his poetic moonlit scenes, Sotter transforms a snow-covered Bucks County landscape into an intimate nocturne, with a fieldstone mill, winding stream, and softly illuminated farmhouse windows set beneath a star-filled sky.

A longtime resident of Holicong, Pennsylvania, Sotter developed a distinctive approach to landscape painting that combined the influence of the New Hope School with a deeply atmospheric sensibility. Mill-Spring Valley exemplifies his ability to capture the beauty and stillness of the region after dark, balancing the cool tones of the winter landscape with the inviting warmth of distant lights.

Additional highlights from the collection include:

• Lot 10 | Edward Willis Redfield, Winter on the Farm (Farbotnik Farm), c. 1935-1940
  Estimate: $100,000 – 150,000
• Lot 21 | Daniel Garber, The Studio, 1922
  Estimate: $60,000 – 100,000
• Lot 5 | Edward Willis Redfield, Village Street
  Estimate: $50,000 – 80,000
• Lot 30 | Mary Elizabeth Price, Still Life with Lillies and Foxgloves
  Estimate: $12,000 – 18,000

Together, the 30 works offer a compelling portrait of the artists and landscapes that defined Pennsylvania Impressionism. As a longstanding leader in the market for the category, Freeman’s is pleased to bring this significant collection to auction in Philadelphia, returning the Martins’ artistic legacy to the region that inspired it.

Auction Information

Pride of Place: Works from the Estate of Sydney F. and Sharon B. Martin – Part II
Tuesday, November 3, 2026 | 1:00 p.m. EST
2400 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA

Preview Exhibition: October 30–November 2, 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

For additional information and to view the complete catalogue, visit:
https://freemansauction.com/auction/6525-pride-of-place

How to Bid

The Pride of Place: Works from the Estate of Sydney F. and Sharon B. Martin – Part II auction will be offered on November 3 at 1:00 p.m. EST in Freeman’s Philadelphia saleroom. Bidding will be available in person, over the phone, and via absentee or live online bidding. For more information, please visit freemansauction.com.

About Freeman’s

Freeman’s is a premier American auction house offering services in multiple categories including fine art, jewelry, design, books and manuscripts, furniture, decorative arts, antiquities, couture, and Asian works of art. With 15 regional locations nationwide, the firm provides auctions, appraisals, private sales, and art advisory services, connecting clients to the global art market. Freeman’s strives to bring art, history, and design to life by connecting people with extraordinary objects through exceptional service and expertise.