gene Hackman’s Personal Collection, Including a Milton Avery painting, Heads to Auction
New York – An extensive auction of belongings from the estate of actor gene Hackman, ranging from fine art to everyday objects, begins November 19th at Bonhams, offering a rare glimpse into the private life of the famously reserved star. The sale is expected to realize upwards of $1.5 million,with a Milton Avery painting,Figure on the Jetty,leading estimates at $500,000 to $700,000.
The auction reveals Hackman as not only an acclaimed actor but also a discerning collector and,unexpectedly,an artist himself. The two-part sale-a live auction of premier fine art followed by online auctions-includes works by Richard Diebenkorn and Auguste Rodin, alongside personal items like a Winmau dart board ($100 starting bid) and a Seiko diver’s wristwatch ($600 starting bid).The event provides a unique opportunity for fans and art enthusiasts to acquire pieces from the estate of a Hollywood icon known for his dedication to privacy.
Figure on the Jetty,painted in 1957,depicts a lone figure on a jetty gazing out to sea and is believed to be inspired by Avery’s summers in Provincetown,Massachusetts. The painting hung in Hackman’s personal library.Bonhams head of 20th and 21st century art, Andrew Huber, described the work via Zoom as “exactly what you want from a Milton Avery,” praising its color palette and noting it was created before a medical issue impacted the artist’s later work. Huber added the market, both American and international, is actively seeking beach scenes of this scale in oil on canvas.
Other highlights include Richard Diebenkorn’s 1986 color etching, Green, from his Ocean park series, estimated at $300,000 to $500,000, and a monumental bronze sculpture by Auguste Rodin, valued between $200,000 and $300,000. The catalog also features a portrait of Hackman by Everett raymond Kinstler, known for his portraits of US presidents and comic book illustrations.
Bonhams, founded in 1793, has a history of handling estates for prominent figures including Lauren Bacall, Diahann Carroll, Siegfried and Roy, and Roger Moore. The Hackman sales consist of a live auction of 13 fine art pieces in New York on November 19th, followed by two online auctions.
