The personal belongings and art collection of the late actor Gene Hackman will be auctioned by Bonhams, an international auction house, on November 19, 2023, in New York City. This auction comes in the wake of the tragic deaths of Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa Hackman, earlier this year, which captured public attention and speculation. Their passing has brought a unique blend of sentiment and interest to the upcoming auction, showcasing Hackman’s legacy both as an actor and an artist.
The auction will feature an array of items from Hackman’s life, including his own paintings, film scripts, posters, and memorabilia. Among the notable pieces are two Golden Globes awarded to him for his performances in The Royal Tenenbaums and Unforgiven. In addition to these iconic accolades, more personal items, such as a dart board from his game room and a steel Seiko Prospex wristwatch, will also be available for bidders.
Insight into Hackman’s Life and Legacy
The items to be auctioned were discovered in the couple’s home in Hyde Park, where Hackman reportedly spent his final days alone, with his wife having passed away just days earlier. Betsy Arakawa Hackman died from complications related to hantavirus, while Hackman succumbed to heart disease and advanced Alzheimer’s disease just one week later. Their deaths were confirmed by authorities during a March news conference in Santa Fe.
According to Bernard Ewell, an art appraiser based near Santa Fe, the auction’s appeal lies significantly in the name recognition associated with Hackman. “Any art that is really 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,’” Ewell said. This sentiment adds a layer of emotional value to the items, making them more desirable to collectors and fans alike.
The auction, titled The Gene Hackman Collection: A Life in Art, will include 13 artworks by notable artists such as Richard Diebenkorn and Milton Avery. A Diebenkorn piece is valued between $300,000 and $500,000, while another is estimated at $70,000 to $90,000. Additionally, a 1957 abstract painting by Avery, titled Figure on the Jetty, is appraised at $500,000 to $700,000.
Continuing Legal Matters and Public Interest
As the auction approaches, legal proceedings concerning Hackman’s estimated $80 million estate continue to unfold. Hackman left his estate to Arakawa Hackman, and complications have arisen regarding the inventory of his assets. Julia Peters, the executor of Hackman’s estate, has requested more time to finalize the inventory, as indicated in a recent court filing. The attorney representing the estate, Kurt Sommer, has not commented on the ongoing situation.
In a related note, Hackman’s artistic contributions can be seen locally as well. His partnership in the Jinja Bar & Bistro in Santa Fe lasted roughly a decade and included a mural he painted, depicting a vibrant beach scene. The mural remains a testament to his creative spirit, as noted by restaurant founder Doug Lanham, who recalled Hackman’s humorous approach to sharing his artwork.
Hackman, known for his striking performances in films such as Bonnie and Clyde, The French Connection, and Mississippi Burning, left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. His presence in Santa Fe over the decades contributed to the community, where he was often seen enjoying local life.
The upcoming auction offers not just a chance to acquire a piece of cinematic history but also insights into Hackman’s personal journey as an artist. Anna Hicks, head of private and iconic collections at Bonhams, emphasized that the collection represents “a life lived with purpose, curiosity, and uncompromising vision.” The event is poised to attract significant interest from collectors and fans eager to connect with Hackman’s multifaceted legacy.
