Some of Gene Hackman’s possessions are set to go under the hammer, including his prestigious Golden Globe awards. An auction organized by Bonhams will feature three of the late actor’s valuable trophies, notably for his performances in “Unforgiven” (1992) and “The Royal Tenenbaums” (2001). The live auction will take place in New York City on November 19, alongside 13 paintings by esteemed artists like Milton Avery, Auguste Rodin, and Richard Diebenkorn.
Anna Hicks, Bonhams’ head of private and iconic collections, remarked on the auction’s significance: “Together, these sales offer an intimate portrait of Hackman’s private world and a rare opportunity for collectors to engage with his creative life. Whether through the art, scripts, or personal objects, what emerges is more than a collection – it is a life lived with purpose, curiosity, and uncompromising vision.”
Additionally, two online auctions will precede the live event, the first from November 8 to November 21 and the second from November 25 to December 4. These online auctions will feature Hackman’s personal works, including paintings, scripts, and posters, as well as the coveted Golden Globes. Notably, one of Hackman’s artworks, “Figure on the Jetty” (1957) by Milton Avery, is predicted to fetch up to $700,000, while another of his still-life paintings is estimated to sell for $1,000 to $1,500.
Hackman, known for his roles in classics like “The French Connection,” retired from acting in 2004 and pursued painting and writing. Sadly, he passed away at the age of 95 in his Santa Fe home on February 26, alongside his wife Betsy Arakawa, who had died from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome. An autopsy revealed that Hackman’s death resulted from severe cardiovascular disease, with advanced stage Alzheimer’s disease as a contributing factor.
The condition of their home was alarming, as it was found to be poorly maintained with rodent infestations, which is thought to have led to Betsy’s tragic death. The auction provides a poignant opportunity to reflect on Hackman’s significant contributions to cinema and the arts, allowing fans and collectors alike the chance to own a piece of his extraordinary legacy.
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