Gene Hackman, «a life in art»: the legendary actor’s collection, including his Golden Globes, will be auctioned

Eight months after death of Gene Hackmanan auction house announced that it will sell the two-time Oscar winner’s collection of artwork. American actor and his wife, Betsy Arakawawere found dead in their home in New Mexico on February 26.

According to Bonhams«The Gene Hackman Collection: A Life in Art» will present «a deeply personal study of modern and American art brought together by the legendary actor.» The collection includes 13 works of art and includes pieces by prominent artists such as American modernist Milton Avery (1885–1965), Richard Diebenkorn (1922–1993), and Auguste Rodin (1840–1917).

Hackman had a career spanning more than five decades, during which he earned a reputation for being one of the most prominent actors of his generationwinning two Academy Awards and four Golden Globes for movies like The French Connection (1971) y Unforgiven (1992).

Its art collection reflects «the same intellectual rigor» and «emotional depth» that defined his performance, the auction house highlighted in a statement posted on its website.

An auction house announced that it will sell Gene Hackman’s art collection. Photo: Bonhams.

Andrew Huberdirector of 20th and 21st century art at Bonhams, commented that Hackman’s approach to collecting «reflects the care, aesthetic sensitivity and discipline evident in his own artistic practice.»

Hackman’s interest in art intensified after his retirement from acting. Being an illustrator and sculptor himself, He dedicated himself to building his collection with «care»«annotating catalogs» and «pursuing knowledge.» The result is a «deeply personal» collection that spans categories such as Postwar and Contemporary art, Western and Native American art, photography and prints.

Leading the auction is Figure on the Jettya painting of Milton Averyestimated between 500,000 and 700,000 dollars Americans. This work, reflecting Avery’s mature style, was likely inspired by his summers in Provincetown, Massachusetts (1957 to 1960). The work has an extensive exhibition history and remained in Hackman’s private collection for more than 25 years after acquiring it in 1997.

Hackman’s interest in art intensified after his retirement from acting. Photo: Facebook/Animal Rescue

Another notable article is Green1986, by RIchard Diebenkorna color engraving estimated between 300,000 and 500,000 dollars. It is considered not only the largest, but also the most important engraving of his outstanding series Ocean Park. Bonhams currently holds the world auction record for a print of this edition.

A third key point is a monumental bronze of Auguste Rodinestimated between 200,000 and 300,000 dollars. Large-scale works by Rodin like this are rare at auction.

Hackman’s Golden Globes and movie memorabilia

In parallel with the live art auction, Bonhams will present two online sales, titled «The Gene Hackman Collection: A Life in Art, Part II y Part III».

The first online sale will take place in New York of the November 8 to 21and the second in Los Angeles of the November 25 to December 4.

These online auctions will feature Hackman’s private world, including his own works of art, annotated books from his library, scripts, posters and film memorabilia.

Among the most sought-after objects are three of the actor’s Golden Globes.

Among the most sought after objects are three Golden Globes for the actoreach estimated between 3,000 and 5,000 dollars: Golden Globe for Best Performance in Unforgiven (1993), Golden Globe for Best Performance in The Royal Tenenbaums (2002), and the Cecil B. De Mille Lifetime Achievement Award he received in 2003.

Lilly ChanCEO of Bonhams, described the event as a «star moment» that «brings together fine art, cultural history and cinematic heritage.» Anna Hicks, head of private and iconic collections, added that the entire sale offers an intimate portrait of Hackman’s creative life, reflecting «a life lived with purpose, curiosity and unwavering vision.»