Unveiling a Masterpiece: Alice Neel’s Portrait of Dr. William Hanaway Jr.

Alderfer Auction is privileged to present a major fresh-to-market discovery as the centerpiece of our Fine Art and Mid-Century Modern Auction on December 10, 2026, at 10:00 AM EST. For the first time since its creation, Alice Neel’s (1900–1984) portrait of Dr. William Hanaway Jr.—a distinguished scholar, professor, and champion sailor—emerges from a private family collection. Originally gifted by Neel to the sitter’s mother and close friend, Nell Prince Hanaway, this raw, psychologically insightful masterpiece has descended strictly through the family and has never before been publicly exhibited, published, or offered at auction. Representing an extraordinary acquisition opportunity for museum curators, institutional collections, and discerning fine art collectors, this unrecorded work combines Neel’s signature candid humanism with unbroken provenance. Prospective bidders are invited to inspect this exceptional painting in person during our Special Preview Events on December 7, 8, and 9 from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM EST at the Alderfer Auction Center in Hatfield, Pennsylvania, with private consultations available upon request.
Image for Unveiling a Masterpiece: Alice Neel’s Portrait of Dr. William Hanaway Jr.
Image for Unveiling a Masterpiece: Alice Neel’s Portrait of Dr. William Hanaway Jr.
Photos

Unveiling a Masterpiece: Alice Neel’s Portrait of Dr. William Hanaway Jr.

Alice Neel’s Portrait of Dr. William Hanaway Jr. is a rare, unpublished discovery, fresh to the market and offered in our Fine Art and Mid-Century Modern Auction on December 10, 2026.

A Historic Unveiling:

For the first time since its creation, a captivating portrait by Alice Neel (1900–1984)—one of the 20th century’s most celebrated American figurative painters—emerges from a private family collection.

Never before publicly exhibited, documented, or offered at auction, this extraordinary work depicts Dr. William Hanaway Jr.—a distinguished scholar, professor, and champion sailor. Alderfer Auction is privileged to present this premier, fresh-to-market masterwork as the centerpiece of our online Fine Art and Mid-Century Modern Auction on December 10, 2026, at 10:00 AM EST.

Inquire with Christian Answini, Our Fine Art Specialist

The Masterwork & Unbroken Provenance:

Painted with Neel’s trademark candid intimacy and psychological acuity, this portrait offers an unprecedented window into both artist and subject.

  • Subject: Dr. William Hanaway Jr. presented not merely as a sitter, but as a dynamic figure of intellect, scholarship, and athletic poise.
  • Impeccable Direct Provenance: Gifted by Alice Neel directly to Dr. Hanaway’s mother—and close friend—Nell Prince Hanaway, the painting has descended strictly within the sitter’s family until today.

Having remained in private hands for decades, this painting represents a rare opportunity for museum collections, institutional curators, and serious collectors to acquire a pristine, undocumented work by a modern master.

Alice Neel’s Unfiltered Genius:

Alice Neel stands as a monumental figure in modern American art, famed for her unapologetic, intensely empathetic portraits. Where her contemporaries turned toward abstraction, Neel remained fiercely dedicated to the human form, capturing the inner psyche of artists, intellectuals, family, and neighbors.

This portrait exemplifies Neel at her finest—combining expressive brushwork, keen emotional resonance, and an unvarnished honesty that defines her enduring contribution to 20th-century portraiture.

Read More: Alice Neel and The Art of Seeing: Why Her Portraits Continue to Resonate with Collectors and Museums

View Instagram Vide: Who Was Alice Neel?

View Condition Report

We cordially invite you to inspect this exceptional painting in person prior to the sale.

Exclusive Preview Events:

  • Dates: Sunday, December 7 – Tuesday, December 9, 2026
  • Hours: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM EST Daily
  • Location: Alderfer Auction Center | 501 Fairgrounds Road, Hatfield, Pennsylvania

Private gallery viewings and confidential specialist consultations are available upon request.

Auction Details:

  • Online Auction: At alderferauction.com on Thursday, December 10, 2026 at 10:00 AM EST
  • Bidding Methods: Online, telephone, and absentee bidding options available.