Aaron Douglas ( 1898 - 1979 ) was an American painter. Aaron Douglas s works have been put up for auction numerous times, with realized prices surpassing estimated prices, varying from 2100 USD for ''Bravado'', ''Defiance'', ''Flight'', and ''Surrender'' in 2005 to 500000 USD for Building More Stately Mansions. in 2008 , based on the size and medium of the artwork.