UPDATE: The famed art collection of legendary actor Gene Hackman will be auctioned next month, a development that is captivating collectors and fans alike. Scheduled for November 19, 2023, the auction will take place in New York City and includes personal belongings and notable artwork, all adding layers to the intrigue surrounding the actor’s legacy.
This auction comes just months after the shocking deaths of Hackman, aged 95, and his wife, Betsy Arakawa Hackman, aged 65, which sent ripples through the entertainment industry. Following their passing, the circumstances surrounding their deaths, including Arakawa Hackman’s tragic battle with hantavirus, drew significant media attention.
Bonhams, the international auction house managing the sale, will present Hackman’s collection titled The Gene Hackman Collection: A Life in Art. The auction features an array of items, including two Golden Globes awarded for his performances in The Royal Tenenbaums and Unforgiven. Collectors will also have the chance to bid on his own paintings and other cinematic memorabilia.
Among the auction highlights are two abstract works by American painter Richard Diebenkorn, valued between $300,000 and $500,000, alongside a 1957 abstract painting by Milton Avery, with an estimated value of $500,000 to $700,000. A series of online auctions will follow, taking place from November 8-21 and November 25-December 4.
The possessions, discovered in Hackman’s Hyde Park-area home, offer a glimpse into the actor’s private life. Authorities confirmed that he spent his final days alone in the home, shortly after Arakawa Hackman was found deceased. This tragic backdrop adds a poignant layer to the items up for auction, including a dartboard from Hackman’s game room and a steel Seiko Prospex wristwatch he wore.
Bernard Ewell, an art appraiser, stated, “Any art associated with famous people tends to sell for more because people have this sense of ‘Well, I got a little piece of this great person.'” This sentiment resonates with potential bidders, as the auction offers an intimate portrait of Hackman’s life and creative journey.
In addition to the auction, ongoing legal proceedings over Hackman’s estimated $80 million estate continue to unfold. The estate’s representative, Julia Peters, has requested additional time to complete the inventory of the actor’s assets, emphasizing the complexity of the situation.
Hackman, a Santa Fe resident for decades, was known not only for his commanding performances in films like Bonnie and Clyde and The French Connection but also for his artistic endeavors. His mural, displayed at Jinja Bar & Bistro, showcases his talent and further connects him to the vibrant community he cherished.
Bonhams’ Anna Hicks commented, “Together, these sales offer an intimate portrait of Hackman’s private world and a rare opportunity for collectors to engage with his creative life.” The auction items, many of which will be sold without reserve, are poised to attract widespread attention as they represent more than just possessions; they embody a life lived with purpose and artistry.
As the auction date approaches, excitement builds for fans and collectors eager to own a piece of Hackman’s remarkable legacy. Stay tuned for updates as the auction unfolds and more details emerge.
