Gene Hackman, the legendary actor best known for his iconic roles in films like 'The French Connection' and 'Unforgiven', left behind a surprising legacy as an artist. A collection of over 400 items from his estate, including more than 70 artworks, is set to go under the hammer at Bonhams auction house later this month.
Among the surprises is the discovery that Hackman was a keen painter, with works ranging from seascapes and still lifes to portraits. His artistic talent lies in his ability to capture the human form, often incorporating elements of post-war and contemporary art into his pieces. Notably, he even painted likenesses of US presidents and drew for comic books.
What's perhaps more intriguing is that Hackman's wife, Betsy Arakawa, who passed away last year, also had a hidden talent – she was an accomplished pianist. This connection between art and music is revealed through the many photographs and documents included in the auction, showcasing Hackman's studio where he worked on his artworks.
A particular gem among the artworks is 'Figure on the Jetty' by American modernist Milton Avery, which Hackman purchased for $500,000 to $700,000. The painting depicts a lone figure gazing out to sea and is thought to be inspired by Avery's summers in Provincetown, Massachusetts.
The sale also includes works from renowned artists such as Richard Diebenkorn and Auguste Rodin, with estimates ranging from $200,000 to $500,000 for the latter. As Andrew Huber, Bonhams' head of 20th and 21st century art, noted: "It's exactly what you want from a Milton Avery... A good variance in the colour palette."
The surprise of Hackman's artistic talents has been met with excitement by collectors and fans alike, offering a unique glimpse into his life beyond the silver screen. The sale is structured into live and online auctions, starting at $100 for smaller items like a dartboard to $600 for a Seiko diver's wristwatch.
As the world comes to terms with Hackman's passing earlier this year, his artistic legacy serves as a poignant reminder of his multifaceted nature – a man who could effortlessly switch between playing iconic roles and creating beautiful art.
Among the surprises is the discovery that Hackman was a keen painter, with works ranging from seascapes and still lifes to portraits. His artistic talent lies in his ability to capture the human form, often incorporating elements of post-war and contemporary art into his pieces. Notably, he even painted likenesses of US presidents and drew for comic books.
What's perhaps more intriguing is that Hackman's wife, Betsy Arakawa, who passed away last year, also had a hidden talent – she was an accomplished pianist. This connection between art and music is revealed through the many photographs and documents included in the auction, showcasing Hackman's studio where he worked on his artworks.
A particular gem among the artworks is 'Figure on the Jetty' by American modernist Milton Avery, which Hackman purchased for $500,000 to $700,000. The painting depicts a lone figure gazing out to sea and is thought to be inspired by Avery's summers in Provincetown, Massachusetts.
The sale also includes works from renowned artists such as Richard Diebenkorn and Auguste Rodin, with estimates ranging from $200,000 to $500,000 for the latter. As Andrew Huber, Bonhams' head of 20th and 21st century art, noted: "It's exactly what you want from a Milton Avery... A good variance in the colour palette."
The surprise of Hackman's artistic talents has been met with excitement by collectors and fans alike, offering a unique glimpse into his life beyond the silver screen. The sale is structured into live and online auctions, starting at $100 for smaller items like a dartboard to $600 for a Seiko diver's wristwatch.
As the world comes to terms with Hackman's passing earlier this year, his artistic legacy serves as a poignant reminder of his multifaceted nature – a man who could effortlessly switch between playing iconic roles and creating beautiful art.
just saw that Gene Hackman's estate is up for auction 
and I'm low-key obsessed 
guess no one knew he was such an artistic genius 
his paintings are actually really cool 
especially the ones of US presidents 
and portraits of people who look like they're from a different era 
also love that his wife Betsy was a talented pianist 
can't believe I'm learning about this stuff after Gene passed away 
And that his wife Betsy had a hidden talent too? That's amazing! 
It just goes to show you never know what someone can do behind closed doors.
And that one painting by Milton Avery... wow! The fact that Hackman bought it for a million bucks just shows how valuable art can be.
that's wild! i'm all for celebrating artists, but have we been waiting this long for someone to come out the woodwork with a hidden talent? 
and what's up with his wife having a secret life as a pianist too? music is like, the ultimate art form, right? 
anyway, gotta admit, i'm intrigued by this auction. who wouldn't wanna buy a piece of history or something that was actually made by hackman himself?! 
i mean we already knew he was a legend on screen, but wow painting masterpieces and even drawing for comic books? his wife's talent too - who knew she was a pianist? 
️
anyway i'm low-key jealous i wish i could've seen him create 'Figure on the Jetty' by Milton Avery that painting alone is worth millions 
! Who knew he was such a skilled painter? It's crazy to think that the same guy who brought us iconic characters like Jimmy "Popeye" Doyle and Blaine Dalton could also create beautiful seascapes and portraits. The fact that his wife, Betsy, was an accomplished pianist too is just amazing 
. It's a great reminder that there's always more to learn about people we admire, even from the silver screen.