Worldwide enthusiasm won over collectors at the Heffel auction

• Staggering result of 22.6 million $ at the Heffel Spring Auction.
• The sales room of Toronto vibrated to the cheers of the crowd and the enthusiasm of the bidders from afar.
• The collection of the legendary art dealer Torben V. Kristiansen and masterpieces of Jean Paul Riopelle, Tom Thomson And Emily Carramong others, are among the centerpieces of the sale.
• “White glove” sales for the session Canadian, impressionist and modern art of which 100 % of the lots found buyers.

TORONTO, May 24, 2024 /CNW/ – This evening, in the Yorkville neighborhood in Torontothere Heffel House held its highly anticipated spring auction. More than 90 exceptional works were offered in front of a crowded, bustling room and remotely, through the virtual sales room bringing together collectors from around the world. The auction was nothing short of spectacular, with three sessions featuring works that helped shape Canadian art history. A breathtaking array of Jean Paul Riopellefrom the prestigious collection of Torben V. Kristiansenwas the highlight of the event, along with masterpieces from Tom Thomson, by Emily Carr and other art giants. Sales totaled an incredible $22.6 million. $ (all prices are in Canadian dollars and include a buyer’s premium).

At usual sessions Post-war and contemporary art And Canadian, impressionist and modern art was added Legendary: the collection of Torben V. Kristiansen during which one of the most extraordinary corpora brought together by a single consignor ever put on the market in Canada. Died in 2023, Torben V. Kristiansen was a legendary figure in the art world Canada recognized for her impeccable taste and deep love for her acquisitions. The remarkable selection of coveted masterpieces and rare gems from the greatest names in Canadian art has piqued the interest of enthusiasts from all continents. The sale of works from this collection reached 9.1 million $, a staggering amount.

“Tonight the energy was absolutely electrifying in the room,” Mr. Robert Heffelvice-president of the House of Heffel auctions. “ Bidders from around the world competed with an enthusiasm that demonstrated their appreciation of the exceptional quality masterpieces on offer. It was a real privilege for me to witness it. »

Highlights from the Spring 2024 Live Sale Heffel House

• Jean Paul Riopelle took center stage with the auction of ten exceptional paintings for the astronomical sum of 6 million $. They have attracted worldwide interest, particularly a rarely seen 1949 painting, Shady greenswhich sold for 2,761,250 $ (estimate: between 2,500,000 $ and 3,500,000 $) and Untitleda powerful masterpiece from 1954, which reached 1,321,250 $ (estimate: between 1,200,000 $ and 1,600,000 $).
• Major works ofEmily Carran artist still popular, particularly captured the attention of the public during the session Canadian, impressionist and modern art of which all the lots found buyers. The mythical War Canoes, Alert Baya precursor to his famous painting of the same title which belongs to the Audain Art Museum, as well as Scorned as Timber, Beloved of the Skya study for an important work in the collection of the Vancouver Art Gallery, each sold for 871,250 $. There Heffel House is proud to be a partner of choice for Emily Carr fans around the world.
• The paintings of Tom Thomson remain among the most coveted in Canadian art, particularly because of his premature and mysterious death. Three of his rare and impressive oil sketches in the Kristiansen collection have surpassed the assessment, among others Colorful Maples, 961 250 $ (estimate: between 700,000 $ and 900,000 $) and Fall Woods, Algonquin Park, which reached 931,250 $ (estimate: between 500 000 $ and 700,000 $).
• Important works by members of the Group of Seven were the subject of strong competition and eclipsed the estimated value. The stylized and atmospheric painting Summer Sky ofAJ Casson sold for 781,250 $ (estimate: between 150,000 $ and 250,000 $) and the bewitching abstract canvas Mountain Experience of Lawrence Harris reached $541,250 (estimate: between $150,000 and $250,000).
• Girl in My Dressing Gown Mary Prattthe intimate and captivating portrait of his muse Donna Meaney, established a new deserved record for the artist, $289,250. This museum-quality work is one of Pratt’s finest ever offered on the market (estimate: between $150,000 and $250,000).
• A superb seascape, serene but powerful, of Takao Tanabeattracted all eyes during the four exhibitions presented in preview at Heffel at the Canadaand shattered the artist’s previous record by a wide margin. Nootka 1/91: in Hanna Channel (1991) sold for an impressive $451,250, well above its preliminary estimate of $60,000 to $80,000.
• Two of the most sought-after engravings ofAndy Warhol stood out among the contemporary works on offer. The bright pink version of Marilyn Monroe (Marilyn) sold for $205,250 (estimate: between $80,000 and $120,000) and the iconic Mick Jagger reached $157,250 (estimate: between $80,000 and $100,000). The Warhol market remains strong, with demand and auction amounts still high.
• Remarkable works by six important artists set new benchmarks in the Spring Sale. Besides Takao Tanabe And Mary Prattartist records were reached by the exceptional Sunflowers by Prudence Heward, sold for 301 $250, and the rare Still Life with Fruits and Blue Teapot of Christiane Pflugsold for $25,000.

For more information on the works offered at Heffel’s Spring Auction, please visit http://www.heffel.com/index_E.

Other works from the collection Torben V. Kristiansen are currently offered as part of an online auction organized by the Heffel House, which will end on May 30. Other auctions will follow.

There Heffel House is accepting from now until August 2024, consignments of both international and Canadian works for its fall 2024 auction.

About the House of Heffel auction

Founded in 1978, the Heffel House has enabled passionate collectors around the world to discover exceptional works of art, and generated sales totaling three-quarters of a billion dollars. She is renowned for her incomparable expertise in managing art collections from estates and supports her clients attentively. With facilities in Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver, Ottawa And Calgarythere Heffel House has the most experienced team of fine arts experts in the world Canada and provides top-notch customer service to sellers and buyers internationally.

Source House of Heffel auctions

For further information, to do an interview or to receive photographs and B-rolls, please contact: Valérie Gonzalo, Communications and Public Relations, 514-923-1549, [email protected]