F A L L 2 0 2 4 new s l etter
FA L L 2 0 2 4 A N D T H E Y E A R I N R E V I E W As we begin the New Year, we want to take a moment to reflect on what was a truly exceptional 2024 at Heffel. From groundbreaking auctions with new records for important artists to white glove sales across all areas of the market to the rediscovery of extraordinary paintings, this past year has demonstrated the vitality of the art market and the passion of collectors across the globe. It has been our privilege to celebrate these moments with collectors and colleagues, near and far. We are delighted to share some of the highlights that defined the year while looking ahead to an exciting 2025.
Historic Fall Auction On the heels of our remarkable Spring 2024 live auction, our Fall auction was another defining moment of the year, with unearthed masterpieces and historic results capturing the attention of collectors worldwide. Leading the evening were a very special and rediscovered Emily Carr canvas and two masterful Tom Thomson oil sketches from the Collection of Torben V. Kristiansen. An extraordinary piece of Canadian art history came to light with Emily Carr’s painting Masset, Q.C.I., whose remarkable backstory captivated the world. The work was hidden away for over a century before being purchased at a Hamptons barn sale and making its way to the Heffel auction block. Excitement surrounding the work was clear, not only at our previews but also at the auction itself, where bidding took off quickly and the powerful depiction of a memorial post in Haida Gwaii tripled its presale estimate. The sale marks a triumphant homecoming for the painting, which now reclaims its place as an essential chapter in Canada’s cultural history. Due to Tom Thomson’s untimely death, his works are among the rarest and most coveted in Canadian art. It was a privilege to bring to market three outstanding Thomson paintings in the Fall auction, which dominated the evening. The results were led by two masterworks from the esteemed collection of Torben Kristiansen, Winter Morning and Tamarack Swamp, each of which surpassed the $2 million
mark, further exemplifying Thomson’s iconic status and Kristiansen’s exceptional eye. The auction was also highlighted by works from prestigious Canadian collections, including that of Dr. Luigi Rossi, the Barbeau Owen Foundation and Extraordinary Eye, a major private collection from Vancouver. A remarkable five artist records were shattered in the fall sale, namely standout examples
E m i ly Ca r r Masset, Q.C.I. oil on canvas, 1912 16 1/4 × 13 inches Sold November 20, 2024 for $349,250
by 7IDANsuu James Hart, Frederick Varley, Kenojuak Ashevak, W.P. Weston and Bess Harris. The incredible results highlight the