Gene Hackman’s Art Collection and Memorabilia Set for Auction

Personal belongings and an extensive art collection belonging to the late actor Gene Hackman will be auctioned next month, following his death earlier this year. The auction, conducted by Bonhams, is set for November 19, 2023, in New York City. It will feature not only Hackman’s own artwork, but also film scripts, posters, and memorabilia, including two prestigious Golden Globes for his roles in *The Royal Tenenbaums* and *Unforgiven*.

The public’s interest in Hackman’s life and legacy has intensified since he and his wife, Betsy Arakawa Hackman, were found deceased earlier this year in their Santa Fe home. Investigators revealed that Arakawa Hackman passed away from hantavirus, while Hackman died a week later from heart disease complications and advanced Alzheimer’s disease. The couple’s deaths sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry, prompting a closer examination of their lives and possessions.

Insights into the Auction and Collection

The auction will showcase a range of items, including more personal belongings such as a dartboard from Hackman’s game room and a steel Seiko Prospex wristwatch he wore daily. According to Bernard Ewell, an art appraiser and detective, the name recognition associated with Hackman’s possessions will likely attract bidders. “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 stated.

The items up for auction were discovered in the couple’s home in the Hyde Park area, where Hackman reportedly spent his final days. The live auction titled *The Gene Hackman Collection: A Life in Art* will feature 13 modern and American artworks, including pieces by renowned artists such as Richard Diebenkorn, Milton Avery, and Auguste Rodin. Two online auctions will follow, running from November 8-21 and November 25-December 4, featuring additional personal items.

Legacy and Impact

Hackman, celebrated for his versatility and commanding screen presence, starred in numerous iconic films, including *Bonnie and Clyde*, *The French Connection*, and *Mississippi Burning*. His influence extended beyond acting; he had a significant presence in Santa Fe, where he lived for decades and was known to frequent local establishments. His artistic endeavors, including a mural at Jinja Bar & Bistro, reflect a creative spirit that complemented his film career.

The auction stands as a rare opportunity for collectors to engage with Hackman’s artistic life. His collection includes two significant abstract works by Diebenkorn, estimated to be worth between $300,000 to $500,000 and $70,000 to $90,000, respectively. Additionally, a 1957 painting by Avery titled *Figure on the Jetty* has an estimated value of $500,000 to $700,000.

Anna Hicks, head of private and iconic collections at Bonhams, emphasized that the sales offer an intimate glimpse into Hackman’s life. “What emerges is more than a collection — it is a life lived with purpose, curiosity, and uncompromising vision,” Hicks stated.

The ongoing probate case regarding Hackman’s estimated $80 million estate remains unresolved. Kurt Sommer, the attorney representing the estate, has not commented on the status of the estate or the auctions. The person managing Hackman’s property, Julia Peters, indicated in court filings that she requires additional time to finalize the inventory.

With the upcoming auctions, Hackman’s legacy continues to resonate, providing fans and collectors a chance to own a piece of his remarkable life and career.