Centenary Celebration: Riopelle masterpieces shine amidst blockbuster works at Heffel's fall auction Français
- Market leader Heffel to offer an exceptional group of artworks at its fall live auction to a global audience, expected to fetch $13M to $20M overall
- Seven outstanding paintings by Jean Paul Riopelle lead the collection in line with international centenary celebrations, including a masterpiece estimated between $3M and $5M
- Emily Carr shines once again with a major canvas, expected to surpass $1M
TORONTO, Oct. 24, 2023 /CNW/ - In a year marked by centenary celebrations of Jean Paul Riopelle's birth, Heffel Fine Art Auction House is proud to unveil a trove of exceptional artworks by the globally renowned abstractionist, alongside a constellation of masterpieces by other iconic artists, including Emily Carr, Andy Warhol, Henry Moore, Paul-Émile Borduas and many more. Heffel's fall auction, which will be presented live on November 23 in Toronto and to a global audience, promises collectors a very special opportunity to acquire remarkable works and commemorate these artists' enduring legacies. Overall, 94 lots on offer are expected to total between $13 million and $20 million. The sale will offer both in-person and online bidding options through Heffel's Digital Saleroom, ensuring that art enthusiasts worldwide can participate. (All estimate values are in Canadian dollars.)
The timing of this auction is significant, coinciding with the 100th anniversary of Jean Paul Riopelle's birth, with celebrations and dedicated projects happening across the world. A Canadian abstract expressionist of international renown, Riopelle is celebrated for his ground-breaking approach – a fusion of abstraction, texture and vibrant colours – and his indelible contribution to art history. Seven exceptional Riopelle examples on offer by Heffel are led by the masterpiece 1951 canvas Sans titre (Composition #2), estimated to fetch between $3 million and $5 million.
"Heffel is incredibly honoured to share this unparalleled assembly of masterpieces with the world, that transcends time and genre," says David Heffel, President of Heffel Fine Art Auction House. "The extraordinary grouping, brought to life through our dedicated collectors and their discerning eyes, showcases the power of art to captivate and inspire."
- Emily Carr leads the historical session with Alert Bay (Indian in Yellow Blanket), a 1912 canvas that pays homage to the Indigenous cultures of the Pacific Northwest community, and is grounded by a prominent totem pole. The masterwork showcases the Fauve principles Carr absorbed in Paris, and is infused with vivid and bold colors (est. $1,000,000 – 1,500,000).
- Paul-Émile Borduas, leader of the Automatist movement, shines in the auction with the major 1955 canvas Miniatures empressées, painted just following his important New York period. This is the first time the work has been offered for sale since 1959 (est. $900,000 – 1,200,000).
- Two iconic portraits by Andy Warhol highlight the sale, reinforcing his enduring influence. Heffel is thrilled to present Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom, glittered with diamond dust and part of the ultra-rare Royal Edition, following the firm's record-breaking sale of the same image last year for over $1 million (est. $400,000 – 600,000) alongside the incomparable and highly collectible Mick Jagger (est. $80,000 – 120,000).
- Family Group, an important sculpture by global star Henry Moore stands out in the Heffel auction. The work matches one from the same edition in the collection of the Tate Gallery in London, and has been in the same family since it was first acquired from Dominion Gallery in the 1950s (est. $500,000 – 700,000).
- An impressionist masterpiece by James Wilson Morrice is sure to captivate collectors this season. A Street in the Suburbs of Havana, a stunning oil painting, is closely related to a large and important canvas in the collection of the National Gallery of Canada (est. $300,000 – 500,000).
- Colour Field artist Jack Bush continues to garner attention, which is expected to increase with the imminent release of the highly anticipated Jack Bush Catalogue Raisonné. Three phenomenal works are included in the Post-War grouping, including the largescale Green Over Blue and Burgundy (est. $300,000 – 500,000 each).
- Heffel is honoured to present two commanding paintings by Guido Molinari, which round out the Post-War offering this fall. The stunning 1967 Sériel bleu-ocre was once owned by cigarette brand Peter Stuyvesant of British American Tobacco and is now being deaccessioned by Museum of Contemporary Art of Buenos Aires (est. $200,000 – 300,000). Espace bleu-ocre, a largescale work making its auction debut, was consigned directly from the artist's estate and is accompanied by a rich, international exhibition history including the 34th International Biennial, Venice (est. $200,000 – 300,000).
- An incredible collection of seven works by E.J. Hughes will be on offer, spanning important periods of his career, including the well-known painting Echo Bay, Gilford Island (est. $250,000 – 350,000) and four works consigned from the prestigious Barbeau Owen Foundation collection.
- Significant works by members of the famed Group of Seven are featured prominently in the auction, including outstanding canvases by Lawren Harris, A.J. Casson and A.Y Jackson.
To give collectors and enthusiasts from across Canada an opportunity to view these works, the collection is being previewed in four cities leading up to the auction and through virtual gallery tours.
- Calgary: September 30 - October 3, Heffel Gallery (220 Manning Road NE, Unit 1080)
- Vancouver: October 18 - October 23, Heffel Gallery (2247 Granville Street)
- Montreal: November 2 - November 8, Galerie Heffel (1840 rue Sherbrooke Ouest)
- Toronto: November 15 - November 22, Heffel Gallery (13 Hazelton Avenue)
The two-session auction will take place on Thursday, November 23 in Toronto. In addition to in-person bidding, the sale will be broadcast live at Heffel.com and several remote bidding options will be available.
- 5:00 pm ET — Post-War & Contemporary Art
- 7:00 pm ET — Canadian, Impressionist & Modern Art
For additional details on the previews and auction participation, and to access the online catalogues, please visit www.heffel.com or contact our specialists.
Since 1978, Heffel has connected passionate collectors across the world with outstanding works of art, with sales totaling three quarters of a billion dollars. 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
to schedule an interview or media viewing, or for high-resolution images, please contact: Rebecca Rykiss, Heffel Fine Art Auction House, [email protected], 647-361-4607
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