ELECTRICITY

On January 6, 2026, this watercolor by Louis Grell was auctioned and sold at Ripley Auction, Indianapolis, IN for more than the high estimate.

This drawing is closely related to Birth of Electricity, or Electricity (1928) as noted by Fredericka Grell during an inventory of works she received upon Louis Grell’s death in 1960.  Based upon our research, when Grell signed a watercolor, sketch or study “LOUIS GRELL CHICAGO” that work likely became a mural for a location outside the Chicago area.  There are sixteen octagon images surrounding this version of ‘Captain Electricity’ shown charging earth with energy.  This truly is one of Grell’s greatest creations, a superhero of sorts, born in 1928.

All three compared left to right:  this drawing, the large painting and the mural study for a lunette area.

21″h x 14″w, watercolor and gouache on artist board

hammer price $750; out the door cost $1,075