Once again it was the legendary Canadian folk artist Maud Lewis (1903-1970) who stole the show at Miller & Miller’s two-day, two-session online auctions held March 25th (Canadiana & Decorative Arts) and 26th (Historic Lamps & Lighting). Seven original paintings by Ms. Lewis combined for more than $300,000. One brought $91,450.
All prices quoted are in Canadian dollars. The Canadiana & Decorative Arts auction grossed $588,613. Historic Lamps & Lighting: $299,838. Online bidding was via LiveAuctioneers.com and the Miller & Miller Auctions, Ltd. website (MillerandMillerAuctions.com).
The top lot of the auction overall was Ms. Lewis’s oil on beaverboard painting titled Traffic Jam (circa 1956), an 11 ½ inch by 12 inch early and humorous work depicting a cow blocking a car from getting by. It’s a bit out of sync with Lewis’s repertoire, but is a rare and important example of the breadth of her work. Bidders reacted accordingly, as it blew past estimates to hit $91,450.
The other six paintings were Chicks and Hens ($70,800); The Three Black Cats ($38,350); Covered Bridge in Valley ($29,500); Covered Bridge in Winter ($25,960); Docking at the Harbour ($24,190); and Two Oxen in Winter ($20,650). When added to the 17 paintings sold by Miller & Miller in two previous auctions totaling $758,340, the new grand total tops $1 million.
“We were pleased with the strong prices realized for Canadian art,” said Canadiana specialists Joe and Sally Tuer, who assisted Miller & Miller Auctions, Ltd. on Day 1. “Overall, the better pieces either made estimate or, in most cases, rose above estimate. The Maud Lewis paintings seem to be maintaining their strength, with the more unusual pieces exceeding expectations.”
To learn more about Miller & Miller Auctions, Ltd. and their calendar of upcoming events, visit www.millerandmillerauctions.com
