Meet the Specialist

What do you do at Bonhams?

I am a Specialist and the Head of Sale of American Art in New York. We hold two live sales each year, supported by online sale programming and participation in various theme and single owner auctions throughout the year.

Where are you from and what inspired you to go into the art world? 

I grew up in Charleston, South Carolina, a city rich in American history and culture. From an early age, I was fascinated by the arts and the history of objects, but it wasn’t until I was a freshman in college when I began to explore how I could turn my passion into a career. I began diving deep into art history courses and took every opportunity I could to travel to museums and galleries.

What was your first job? 

In college, I concentrated heavily on 19^th and 20^th Century American and European paintings and sculpture; my first job in the art world was working as an intern in the 19^th Century European Paintings department at Sotheby’s after my junior year. I was fortunate to have the experience to work with 19^th century paintings of such a high pedigree and to really put my knowledge into practice. I also had the chance to meet some wonderful colleagues in the art world who are all currently doing incredible things. It was such an illuminating experience that I’m still very grateful for to this day.

What is your strength as a specialist?

I’d say one of my strengths is my constant curiosity and detail-driven approach to an artwork or object. I love learning new things and digging as deep as I possibly can when I’m researching and handling a work of art—my goal is to always tell as much of the story as possible.

What has changed in the business since you first started?

Everything, especially the evolution of online sales tools since the pandemic. The past few years rapidly increased our reliance of online networks to connect with our clients when we couldn’t meet face-to-face and positively impacted the ways we conduct our auctions today to meet our clients' needs.

Do you have a hidden talent?

I’m not sure if it’s a talent per se, but I’m pretty good with excel. Oh, and I make a mean martini.

Name one of your triumphs.

While I have had many triumphs during my tenure here at Bonhams, one I am particularly fond of is being a part of the team that successfully brought to auction Marsden Hartley's New Mexico Recollection No. 8 in May of 2024. Leading that season's auction, this work exemplifies Hartley's powerful practice of landscape-as-invention—transforming memory and imagination into an emotionally charged, psychologically complex work that served as both an expression of inner turmoil and a creative catalyst propelling him toward artistic renewal. Ultimately acquired by renowned collector, businessman, philanthropist, and Texas native, Charles Butt, the work is part of the first exhibition dedicated to his collection touring the great state of Texas through 2027, advancing both scholarship and a greater appreciation for American Modernism. To see works that pass through our hands find their way into private and public collections motivated by the mission of advancing the arts in America is always a heartwarming moment for me. I’m also proud of how, during my time at Bonhams, the American Art team continues to grow in strength—we are always continuously striving to accomplish great things for our clients.

Which work of art has changed your life?

That’s a tough question, as there have been many works of art that I’ve handled and researched that have impacted my perspective. One early and distinctly memorable moment for me was in my early teens when I visited New York for the first time with my mother. She took me to The Metropolitan Museum of Art—I was simply in awe when I walked into the American Wing and saw John Singer Sargent’s The Wyndham Sisters: Lady Elcho, Mrs. Adeane, and Mrs. Tennant.

Aaron Anderson is a Specialist and the Head of Sale of American Art in New York. He can be reached at aaron.anderson@bonhams.com.

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