Gene Hackman’s Art Collection Auction Set for November 19

URGENT UPDATE: The estate of legendary actor Gene Hackman will be auctioned off next month, including personal belongings and a significant collection of art. Bonhams has confirmed that the live auction, titled The Gene Hackman Collection: A Life in Art, is scheduled for November 19 in New York City, just months after the shocking deaths of Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa Hackman.

The auction will feature Hackman’s own paintings, film scripts, posters, and even two Golden Globes awarded for his performances in The Royal Tenenbaums and Unforgiven. Items that once adorned his home, including a dartboard and a Seiko Prospex wristwatch, are also up for grabs.

The public’s curiosity about Hackman has surged since the couple’s tragic deaths in February. Authorities revealed that Betsy died from hantavirus, while Gene passed shortly after due to complications related to heart disease and advanced Alzheimer’s. Their story captivated audiences, particularly with the circumstances surrounding their deaths. The couple was found nine days apart in their Santa Fe home, leading to intense speculation.

Bernard Ewell, an art appraiser, emphasized the emotional value of Hackman’s collection, stating, “Any art associated with famous people tends to sell for more.” This auction offers a rare chance for collectors to own a piece of Hackman’s legacy, with estimates for some artworks reaching as high as $500,000 to $700,000.

The auction will kick off with online bidding from November 8-21 and again from November 25-December 4, allowing fans to participate from anywhere in the world. The collection includes notable pieces by renowned artists such as Richard Diebenkorn and Milton Avery.

Anna Hicks, head of private collections at Bonhams, stated, “Together, these sales offer an intimate portrait of Hackman’s private world and a rare opportunity for collectors to engage with his creative life.”

As Hackman’s estate, valued at an estimated $80 million, continues to be in probate, his family is navigating the complexities of inventory management. The ongoing legal proceedings highlight the impact of Hackman’s legacy, which is deeply intertwined with his life in Santa Fe.

This auction is not only an opportunity to acquire unique items but also a chance to connect with the life of a man whose cinematic brilliance has left an indelible mark on Hollywood.

For fans and collectors alike, the excitement is palpable as the November auction approaches. Don’t miss your chance to own a piece of history from a star who captivated audiences for decades.