Why a 'wild card' Maud Lewis painting could fetch $50K — or much more — at auction
Nova Scotia (https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia)
While Maud Lewis paintings typically sell for tens of thousands of dollars at auction, their value can skyrocket due to factors like the acquisition history or the identity of previous owners. A Lewis painting up for auction on Thursday exemplifies this.
The rare 1940s work, titled 'Springtime in the Maritimes', is a standout piece. Richard Woodbury, a journalist with CBC Nova Scotia's digital team, reports on its significance.
The painting depicts a farmhouse, barn, silo, and church spire, alongside scenes of plowing with a horse, fishing from the bank, and fishing in a boat. This level of detail sets it apart from Lewis's later works, which often featured oxen and cats in large quantities.
Ethan Miller, CEO of Miller & Miller, a New Hamburg, Ontario, auction house, anticipates a sale price of between $35,000 and $50,000 for this painting — or potentially even higher.
Miller highlights the painting's 'wild card' status, citing its unique backstory. The original owner, Marian Frances Porter, was a late Nova Scotian and the first female flying officer to parachute on an organized training course with the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1951.
Porter's daughter, Janie Porter, recalls her mother's humility and the stories she shared about her military experiences, including pararescue missions and being the only woman at an air force base.
Janie Porter cherishes the painting, drawn to its colors and distinct style. She reflects on its journey through her family's homes in Chester Basin, Nova Scotia, and Halifax before Marian Frances Porter's passing in 2023.
Despite the emotional attachment, Janie Porter is parting with the painting. She believes it represents her mother's hidden whimsical side, a contrast to her quiet demeanor and quick wit, which only close friends witnessed.
Miller emphasizes the importance of understanding Lewis's work as folk art, created by individuals without formal training. The story behind the artist and the acquisition process significantly influences the painting's value.
As the value of Maud Lewis paintings rises, so does the risk of fraud, as noted in articles on CBC News. The Nova Scotia government, for instance, fell victim to forgeries, as detailed in another article.
