Masterworks from the Collection of Late CNN Founder Ted Turner Head to Auction
When the visionary media mogul Ted Turner was asked about his plans for his Montana ranch, he used to say, “I want my lands to look and feel like those,” gesturing to the paintings on his living room walls – awe-inspiring panoramas of the American West in its untouched state by the preeminent landscape artists Albert Bierstadt (1830-1902) and Thomas Moran (1837-1926).
On January 20, 2027, Christie's New York will hold a special live evening auction: Trailblazer: Ted Turner's America, presenting approximately 20 exceptional works by Bierstadt and Moran from the private collection of Ted Turner. The top lot is Bierstadt's masterpiece Yosemite Valley (estimate: $4,000,000-6,000,000), which maintained pride of place above the mantle at Turner's famed Flying D Ranch in Montana. Other top lots by Bierstadt include Buffalo at Sunset (estimate $300,000-500,000), a gem-like composition of exceptional quality that depicts the American Bison, an animal beloved by Ted Turner. The offering of Thomas Moran paintings is headlined by the masterwork The Inner Gorge, Grand Canyon (estimate: $4,000,000-6,000,000), a characteristically dramatic, atmospheric depiction of one of Moran's favorite subjects, which will be joined by other compelling works such as The Grand Canyon–Hance Trail (estimate $800,000-1,200,000). Comprised solely of works by these 19th century titans of American painting, the sale features significant locales across North America, places that shaped a national identity intricately tied to the landscape. Such a foundation inspired generations of conservationists to come, from Teddy Roosevelt to Ted Turner.
The Head of Christie's American Art Department, Tylee Abbott, said, “It's an honor to share this amazing collection with the world. The quality and depth is remarkable, with exceptional paintings by Bierstadt and Moran representing the country's lasting love of the American landscape. In the context of Mr. Turner's collection, with the proceeds benefiting his foundation, this takes on even further meaning and will surely resonate with today's great interest in the American West.”
Robert Edward “Ted” Turner, III (1938-2026) was an American businessman, television producer, media entrepreneur, environmentalist, philanthropist and trailblazer. He changed the face of American culture by founding the first 24-hour cable news channel, CNN, as well as WTBS, which was the first cable superstation. Turner owned the Atlanta Braves Major League Baseball team and the Atlanta Hawks of the National Basketball Association. He launched the Goodwill Games, and had a lifelong interest in sailing, winning the America's Cup in 1977. In 1990, Turner founded and chaired the Turner Foundation, a family foundation focused on safeguarding habitats, bettering communities, sustainable living, and environmental protection. In 1997, Turner made history by pledging $1 billion to the United Nations. The following year, he founded the United Nations Foundation, which focuses its efforts on issues such as women and children, disease, and energy and climate. In 2001, Turner co-founded, with the late United States Senator Sam Nunn, the Nuclear Threat Initiative, whose core objective is to eliminate nuclear, biological, radiological, chemical and cyber weapons, which Turner believed to be society's most pressing issue. Turner signed The Giving Pledge, committing himself to give away the majority of his wealth to charitable causes – which he achieved prior to his passing. When asked what he wanted for his legacy, Turner said: “to make our world a better, safer place than it was when I got here.”
A statement from the Turner family, “Ted had a genuine love and appreciation for art, especially paintings that captured the beauty of the American West. These paintings meant a great deal to our dad, not only because of their beauty, but because they reflected so much of what he loved about nature and the outdoors. While it's difficult to part with pieces that were so dear to him, our family takes comfort in knowing they will be appreciated and cherished by others. We also see this sale as another opportunity to carry forward his lifelong commitment to giving back, with proceeds going directly to the Turner Foundation to further its leadership in conservation and environmental stewardship. We believe he would be pleased knowing that something he loved so much will continue to make a difference.”
Main Image: Albert Bierstadt (1830-1902) Yosemite Valley, signed with conjoined initials and dated 'ABierstadt 66' (lower right) oil on canvas, 38¾ x 61 in. Painted in 1866. Estimate: $4,000,000-6,000,000.