In Memoriam, John L. Marion (1939–2026)

The Museum remembers co-founder, friend, and legendary figure in the art world.

John L. Marion—famed auctioneer, former chairman of Sotheby’s, and co-founder of the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum—passed away on May 6, 2026. John and his late wife, Anne W. Marion, were the driving force behind the Museum’s founding, helping to ensure that Georgia O’Keeffe’s life, art, and legacy would have a lasting home in Santa Fe. Today the Museum stands as a testament to John and Anne’s passion and enduring dedication.

“Anne and John were the perfect complement to each other and to the Museum,” said Museum Director Cody Hartley. “Anne had a powerful energy about her that propelled us forward, and John brought a caring charisma that grounded our work and set the tone for the culture of the Museum that still exists today. Together, they were a true force, and we could not have asked for better founders.”

Since the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum’s opening in 1997, John and Anne’s vision for it has thrived. After opening the Museum on Johnson Street at breakneck pace, to enthusiastic private and public acclaim, the Marions fulfilled their vision by acquiring multiple properties on a neighboring block across Grant Street, buildings that were then transformed into the Museum’s Library & Archive, Administration Offices, and former Education Annex. The Marions were also at the helm when the Museum acquired O’Keeffe’s Home & Studio in Abiquiú.

Before focusing his efforts on Santa Fe, John Marion was a tremendously well-respected auctioneer at Sotheby’s. He became that company’s president and then, in 1975, its chairman. According to the auction house, John was “one of the most consequential and respected leaders in Sotheby’s history—and quite possibly the greatest auction showman.”

Left: China for Sale by McCabe via Getty Images. Right: Georgia O’Keeffe, Jimson Weed/White Flower No. 1, 1932. Oil on canvas, 48 x 40 inches. Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art Gift of The Burnett Foundation. [1996.1.1]

An instantly recognizable presence at Sotheby’s auctions, John played a key role in elevating the company’s global profile, and in the 1980s presided over landmark sales that helped shape the modern art market.

In 2014, as Chair of the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum’s Collections Committee, John played a major role in the deaccession of Jimson Weed (1932), expertly and steadily guiding the Museum through the auction of the painting. It sold for $44.4 million, at the time setting a new record for a single painting by a female artist and laying the foundation for the Museum’s acquisition fund. That fund has since made possible the purchases of Pink Tulip (1925), Ritz Tower (1928), and other works by O’Keeffe. “John’s longstanding experience was critical to our success,” reflected Hartley. “He developed our strategy, and we’re grateful for his guidance.”

With John’s unparalleled expertise and unwavering commitment to the Museum, he and Anne prepared the Museum for growth and expansion with a $25 million gift from The Burnett Foundation, Anne’s family philanthropic organization. This gift provided the bedrock for the New O’Keeffe, a $75 million project for the Museum’s reimagined campus, which includes a new museum, expanded gallery space, and a community green space.

The New O’Keeffe advances the vision of the Museum’s co-founders—first set in motion more than 25 years ago—and carries it forward with purpose. The legacy of our co-founders continues to shape our work and guide the Museum into the future.

The Museum sends its deepest condolences to his family, and to all who remember his warmth and kindness.

“John was a true gentleman. I enjoyed all my time with him and will be forever grateful for his guidance to the Museum, which stands as a testament to him and Anne.” —Roxanne Decyk, Emeritus Trustee and former Chair of the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum Board of Trustees

“The Georgia O’Keeffe Museum would likely not exist in Santa Fe without John Marion. He set a standard of collaboration, risk-taking, and excellence which we attempt to live up to in all our programming. As we work to open our new museum, John’s spirit is right there, urging us on. He will be long remembered with great affection.” —David Warnock, Chair of the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum Board of Trustees

“The man whose motto was ‘have gavel, will travel’ began his career as an auctioneer at Sotheby’s in 1960, becoming president in 1972 and Chairman in 1975. He sold everything from Van Gogh’s Irises to Andy Warhol’s cookie jars and the diamond Richard Burton gave Elizabeth Taylor. The art market was in his blood, having been preceded by his father, Louis J. Marion, on the rostrum at Parke-Bernet. . . . John leaves behind an enduring legacy in the art world—and especially here at Sotheby’s.” —Sotheby’s