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Bob Ross Paintings Fetch $1.27 Million at Bonhams Skinner Americana Auction

market-auction · 2026-04-20

On January 27, Bonhams hosted the Skinner Americana: Crafting a Nation auction in Boston, where a second collection of Bob Ross paintings, offered on behalf of American Public Television, garnered $1.27 million. The total for the auction reached $2.4 million, surpassing initial expectations. Leading the sale was Ross's 1990 piece Change of Seasons, which fetched $787,900—over thirteen times its projected high. Additionally, his 1993 artwork Babbling Brook sold for $279,900, exceeding its estimate by more than six times. The event showcased exceptional paintings, fine folk art, and historically significant items that honor American culture and history. Works by John James Audubon and Edward Troye also achieved remarkable results, instilling optimism for 2026.

Key facts

  • Bob Ross paintings sold for $1.27 million
  • Bonhams Skinner Americana sale totaled $2.4 million
  • Sale occurred on January 27 in Boston, Massachusetts
  • Bob Ross's Change of Seasons sold for $787,900
  • Change of Seasons exceeded high estimate by over 13 times
  • Babbling Brook sold for $279,900
  • Babbling Brook exceeded estimate by over 6 times
  • Sale exceeded presale expectations

Entities

Artists

  • Bob Ross
  • John James Audubon
  • Edward Troye

Institutions

  • Bonhams Skinner
  • American Public Television
  • Bonhams

Locations

  • Boston
  • Massachusetts
  • United States

Sources