Emily Carr Painting Bought for $50 at Barn Auction Sells for $290K in Toronto
A painting by Canadian artist Emily Carr sold for $290,000 CAD at a Toronto auction. The painting was bought at a barn sale in New York State for $50 USD. It was created in 1912 and shows a carved grizzly bear on a memorial totem pole with Carr’s signature.
Carr, born in Victoria in 1871, was linked to the Group of Seven artists, including Franklin Carmichael, Lawren Harris, and A.Y. Jackson. The painting was a gift to her friend, Nell Cozier, in the 1930s and had been hanging in a barn in the Hamptons for about 90 years.
The painting aims to document the artistic heritage of First Nations communities in British Columbia. The totem pole depicted in the artwork once stood in Masset, a village in Haida Gwaii.
U.S. art dealer Allen Treibitz found the painting at the barn sale. He initially did not know Carr’s work but realized the painting’s uniqueness right away. Treibitz learned that the barn belonged to a deceased owner and contained items for sale due to a lack of heirs.
Treibitz described the painting as special and stood out among other items. After purchasing it, he conducted research and discovered Carr’s significance as an artist. The painting’s signature, date, and title made the research easier.
How does the sale of Emily Carr’s painting reflect trends in the Canadian art market?
Interview with Art Specialist Allen Treibitz on the Remarkable Sale of Emily Carr Painting
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In a stunning turn of events at a recent Toronto auction, a painting by the renowned Canadian artist Emily Carr sold for $290,000 CAD, a remarkable leap from its original purchase price of just $50 USD at a barn sale in New York State. To delve deeper into the significance of this sale, we spoke with the astute art dealer who discovered the painting, Allen Treibitz.
News Directory 3 (ND3): Allen, can you tell us about your experience finding the Emily Carr painting at the barn sale?
Allen Treibitz (AT): It was quite an extraordinary day. The barn, owned by a deceased individual, was filled with various items for sale due to the lack of heirs. I stumbled upon the painting almost by accident. Initially, I didn’t know much about Emily Carr, but something about it caught my eye. It was the craftsmanship, the way the image of the carved grizzly bear and the totem pole seemed to breathe life into the space.
ND3: What was your immediate reaction when you first saw the painting?
AT: I knew it was special. The uniqueness of it stood out among an array of objects in the barn. I felt compelled to buy it right away, even without knowing its full history at that moment. It had an aura that you just can’t disregard.
ND3: After bringing it home, how did you go about researching its origins?
AT: Once I had it, I started digging deeper. The signature, date, and the title provided a solid foundation for my research. I was amazed to learn about Carr’s contribution to Canadian art and her connection to the Indigenous heritage of British Columbia. The painting is not just an artwork; it documents a piece of history, particularly with the totem pole depicting a significant aspect of First Nations culture.
ND3: How did you confirm the authenticity and history of the painting?
AT: David Heffel from Heffel Fine Art Auction House was crucial in this process. He helped verify its provenance. The painting was a gift from Carr to her friend, Nell Cozier, in the 1930s. From there, it made its way into New York, where it had been hanging in that barn for almost nine decades. The story behind the painting, alongside its artistic value, added layers to its significance.
ND3: What was it like when the painting went up for auction?
AT: It was exhilarating! The presale estimate was between $100,000 and $200,000, but seeing it sell for $290,000 was beyond what I had anticipated. It testified to the painting’s importance and the growing appreciation for Carr’s work. The narrative surrounding the artwork played a massive role in its popularity during the auction.
ND3: Why do you think this painting resonates so much with collectors and art enthusiasts?
AT: I believe it connects people to both the rich history of Canadian art and the Indigenous stories that inspired Carr. It symbolizes a rediscovery of significant cultural narratives, especially considering its ties to the Haida Gwaii community. In today’s world, where authenticity and heritage are valued, this painting serves as a bridge connecting art lovers to a fascinating past.
ND3: What do you think this sale implies about the market for Canadian art?
AT: I think this sale marks a pivotal moment that highlights the rediscovery of important works by Canadian artists. There’s a growing recognition of the unique narratives within these pieces, especially those intertwined with Indigenous heritage. As awareness increases, I foresee more collectors looking for artists like Carr, who captured the essence of their time and cultural backgrounds.
ND3: Thank you, Allen, for sharing your insights on this remarkable find and its broader implications.
AT: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to share this story and hopefully inspire others to explore the world of art.
The sale of this Emily Carr painting not only demonstrates the value of Canadian art but also reinforces the importance of preserving and honoring the roots of Indigenous culture in artistic expressions.
David Heffel of Heffel Fine Art Auction House helped verify the painting’s history. It had been given to friends of Carr and eventually ended up in New York.
The auction saw the painting sell for over the estimated presale value of $100,000 to $200,000, excluding auction fees. Treibitz noted that the story behind the painting contributed to its popularity.
Overall, the sale of this artwork illustrates the rediscovery of important Canadian art, tying it back to its Indigenous roots and history.