311

Hermann Stieffel

Early watercolor view of the ruins of a Spanish mission in the Manzano Grant.

Manzano, NM, circa 1860-1867
Ink and watercolor on paper, 13 x 20 inches; skillfully conserved with ¼ x 1½ area of image and larger chip in bottom margin in facsimile; signed in ink "H. Stieffel, Co. K, 5 U.S. Inf." 

  • Notes: The German-born artist Hermann Stieffel (1826-1886) was a career army enlisted man in the 5th United States Infantry, serving from 1857 to 1882. From 1860 to September 1867 his Company K was stationed in New Mexico under Captain David Brotherton. They fought in the Battle of Valverde, New Mexico in February 1862. Stieffel spent much of his career detailed on duty as a hospital attendant, which allowed him the time to pursue his painting. He spent his final years at a soldier's home in Washington. 

    This painting is titled "Manzano, N.M." but does not depict the present-day village of Manzano in central New Mexico. It shows the nearby Pueblo ruins and old Spanish mission at Abó, which was then part of the larger Manzano Grant, and is now part of the Salinas Pueblos National Monument--as verified by staff at the monument.

    In 1946, 10 of Stieffel's paintings were donated by the heirs of his commanding officer David Brotherton to the Smithsonian, all of them from after his time in New Mexico. A few other later works are held by the New-York Historical Society and other institutions. Only one other Stieffel painting is known to exist in private hands, from 1878. This painting of Manzano may be his earliest surviving work. 

    With--Edgar M. Howell's pamphlet, "Hermann Stieffel, Soldier-Artist of the West." Washington: Smithsonian Institution, 1960.
  • Condition:
    Please contact the Specialist for the auction to request a condition report.

    Condition reports and additional images are provided as a courtesy and should be used by you to aid in the formation of your own opinion regarding condition. All material is sold subject to Swann's standard Terms and Conditions of Sale as published in our catalogues and posted on our website, and include the following terms: (1) all property is sold "as-is"; and (2) works cannot be returned on the basis of condition.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Upon request, Swann will facilitate the shipping of purchases to out-of-town buyers at an additional charge for packing, shipping and insurance, but will not be responsible for any loss, damage or delay resulting from the packing, handling and shipping thereof. Unless specific instructions are received, Swann is the sole judge of the method to be used for shipment. Packing and shipping costs will be noted on the invoice mailed to successful bidders after the sale, and are based on the actual costs involved. Be advised that a full commercial invoice must accompany any purchase shipped outside the US.

November 20, 2025 10:30 AM EST
New York, NY, US

Swann Auction Galleries

You agree to pay a buyer’s premium, as outlined below, and any applicable taxes and shipping.
Buyer's Premium
$0 - $100,000:
27.00%
$100,001 - $1,000,000:
22.00%
$1,000,001+:
12.00%

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $149 $10
$150 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $5,999 $200
$6,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 $499,999 $20,000
$500,000 + $50,000