Williamson Auction
Live Auction

Auction 52, Are You Feeling Lucky? March 17th, 2026

Tue, Mar 17, 2026 12:00PM EDT
Lot 695

Samuel L. Margolies (1897-1974) "Gathering Storm" - 1940 AAA Etching

Estimate: $150 - $450

Bid Increments

Price Bid Increment
$0 $5
$50 $10
$150 $25
$500 $50
$1,000 $100
$2,000 $250
$4,000 $500
$15,000 $1,000
$50,000 $2,500
$100,000 $5,000

 

Description

An exceptional original etching and aquatint by the renowned American artist Samuel L. Margolies, titled "Gathering Storm." Published in 1940 by the Associated American Artists (AAA) in New York, this work showcases Margolies’ mastery of the intaglio medium. The scene depicts a quiet, unpeopled rural landscape where a stand of tall, airy trees is silhouetted against a vast, churning sky.

Margolies is celebrated for his Tonalist approach, using aquatint to create soft, atmospheric gradients that mimic the weight of a summer storm. While he is often famous for his dizzying perspectives of New York skyscrapers, his rural landscapes from the late Depression era are highly collected for their serene yet powerful mood. This piece is signed in pencil by the artist in the lower-right and titled in the lower-left. It is a striking example of mid-century American Realism and a staple for collectors of WPA-era printmaking.

Dimensions: H:12in W:15in 

Artist: Samuel L. Margolies (American, 1897–1974) Title: "Gathering Storm" Date: 1940 Medium: Original Etching and Aquatint on Cream Wove Paper Edition: Published by Associated American Artists (AAA), typically in an edition of 250 Signature: Pencil signed S.L. Margolies (lower right); Titled (lower left) Condition: Excellent vintage condition; retains sharp contrast and clean margins.


Keywords

Samuel L. Margolies, Gathering Storm, 1940, Associated American Artists, AAA print, American Realism, WPA era artist, original etching, aquatint, intaglio print, landscape art, signed art print, trees in storm, 20th century American art, Tonalism, collectible etching, vintage art, New York artist.

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