- Exceptional results achieved at Heffel spring auction,
totalling a staggering $22.6M
- Packed Toronto auction room
with cheers from the crowd and remote bidder enthusiasm
- Highlights included collection of legendary art dealer
Torben V. Kristiansen, and
masterworks by Jean Paul Riopelle,
Tom Thomson, Emily Carr and others
- White-glove session of Canadian, Impressionist & Modern
Art (100% sold)
TORONTO, May 23, 2024
/CNW/ - Today in Toronto, Heffel Fine Art Auction
House hosted its highly-anticipated spring auction, showcasing
more than 90 outstanding works of art to a packed sale room,
buzzing with excitement. The auction was nothing short of
spectacular, leading the market with three sessions of
record-breaking sales of artworks that helped shape Canadian art
history. A breathtaking Jean Paul
Riopelle painting from the esteemed collection of
Torben V. Kristiansen headlined the
event, joined by masterpieces from Tom
Thomson, Emily Carr and other
art giants, collectively fetching an astounding $22.6 million. The event took place in Heffel's
Toronto cutting-edge auction
venue, expertly blending live action with a remote audience through
their Digital Saleroom, uniting collectors from across the globe in
a shared celebration of art. (All prices are in Canadian dollars
and include a buyer's premium.)
A very special addition to Heffel's time-honoured sessions of
Post-War & Contemporary Art and Canadian,
Impressionist & Modern Art was Legendary: The Collection
of Torben V. Kristiansen, one of
the most extraordinary single-consignor collections ever to come to
market in Canada. Kristiansen, who
passed away in 2023, was a legendary figure in Canada's art world, and was known for his
impeccable taste and deep love for the works he collected. The
remarkable selection of works garnered global participation for
coveted masterpieces and rare gems by the biggest names in Canadian
art. The works from the collection totalled an astounding
$9.1 million.
"The energy in the room tonight was absolutely electric," said
Robert Heffel, Vice President of
Heffel Fine Art Auction House. "The excitement and competitive
spirit among bidders were a testament to the enduring appreciation
for masterworks of exceptional quality. It was truly a privilege to
witness the enthusiasm from across the world."
Highlights from the Heffel Spring 2024 Live Auction
- Jean Paul Riopelle took centre stage, where
his 10 outstanding works collectively garnered a staggering
$6 million. His works sparked global
interest and were led by the incredibly rare 1949 drip canvas,
Verts ombreuses, which sold for $2,761,250 (est. $2,500,000 – 3,500,000) and his commanding 1954
masterpiece, Sans titre which fetched $1,321,250 (est. $1,200,000 – 1,600,000).
- Hugely important works by Emily
Carr highlighted the white-glove session of Canadian,
Impressionist & Modern Art. The famous War Canoes,
Alert Bay, a precursor to her
famous canvas of the same title in the collection of the Audain Art
Museum, as well as Scorned as Timber, Beloved of the Sky, a
study for a major work in the collection of the Vancouver Art
Gallery each sold for $871,250.
Heffel is proud to be synonymous with Emily
Carr's market, which continues to draw impressive results
and attention from around the world.
- Due to Tom Thomson's
untimely and mysterious death, his paintings are considered some of
the most coveted in Canadian art. The Kristiansen collection
featured three of his rare and impactful oil sketches, with
Colourful Maples fetching $961,250
(est. $700,000 – $900,000) and Fall Woods, Algonquin Park selling for
$931,250 (est. $500,000 – $700,000).
- Important works by members of the Group of Seven drew
major competition in the auction and soared past their estimated
values. A.J. Casson's graphic and atmospheric Summer
Sky fetched $781,250 (est.
$150,000 – 250,000) and
Lawren Harris' mesmerising
abstract canvas, Mountain Experience reached
$541,250 (est. $150,000 – 250,000).
- Mary Pratt's Girl in
My Dressing Gown, the intimate and captivating portrait of muse
Donna Meaney, set a deserving new
record for the artist at $289,250.
This special canvas was one of the finest paintings by Pratt to
ever grace the art market and is truly museum-quality
(est. $150,000 – $250,000).
- A stunning seascape by Takao
Tanabe, a showstopper at the Heffel previews across
Canada, shattered the previous
artist record by a wide margin. Nootka 1/91: in Hanna Channel, the serene yet powerful 1991
canvas sold for an impressive $451,250, well above its presale estimate of
$60,000 to $80,000.
- Two of Andy Warhol's most
sought-after prints stood out amongst the contemporary works on
offer. The vibrant hot pink Marilyn
Monroe (Marilyn) sold for $205,250 (est. $80,000 –
120,000) and the iconic Mick
Jagger sold for $157,250
(est. $80,000 – 100,000). The
market for Warhol's work remains strong, consistently demonstrating
high demand and impressive auction results.
- Notable examples by six important artists set new benchmarks in
the Heffel auction. In addition to Takao
Tanabe and Mary Pratt, artist
records were achieved with Prudence
Heward's exceptional Sunflowers which sold for
$301,250, the rare Still Life with
Fruit and Blue Teapot by Christiane
Pflug which sold for $25,000.
For more information on the works included in Heffel's spring
live auction, visit www.heffel.com.
Additional works from the Collection of Torben V. Kristiansen are currently on offer
through a curated Heffel online auction, closing on May 30, with future auctions to follow.
Heffel is now welcoming consignments for the fall 2024 auction
season, encompassing international and Canadian works of art. The
deadline for fall consignments is August
2024.
About Heffel Fine Art Auction House
Since 1978, Heffel
has connected passionate collectors across the world with
outstanding works of art, with sales totaling three quarters of a
billion dollars. Heffel is renowned for its expertise in
effectively managing and handling estates, serving as trusted
experts for navigating the complexities of art collections
inherited from estates with precision and care. With facilities in
Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Ottawa and Calgary, Heffel has the most experienced team
of fine art specialists in Canada
and provides premium client service to both sellers and buyers
internationally.
SOURCE Heffel Fine Art Auction House