Known for forging wife Maud’s artwork, Everett Lewis’s originals up for auction

An Ontario auction house is currently hosting an auction that includes original art pieces by Everett Lewis, the husband of renowned Nova Scotia artist Maud Lewis. The auction house expects that each painting could sell for as much as $5,000, a figure that is attributed to Maud’s fame as well as the quality of Everett’s work.

During Maud’s lifetime, her paintings were sold for just a few dollars. However, the value of her work has significantly increased over the years, with some pieces fetching tens of thousands of dollars at recent auctions. In fact, one of her paintings sold for an impressive $350,000 at a 2022 auction, highlighting the enduring interest in her art.

After Maud’s death in 1970, Everett Lewis continued to receive inquiries from collectors and art enthusiasts. In order to meet the demand and support himself, Everett sometimes resorted to forging Maud’s work. However, he eventually started creating his own original paintings, which bear a striking resemblance to his wife’s distinctive style.

Ian Muncaster, owner of Zwicker’s Gallery in Halifax, has sold some of Everett’s original paintings, with the most expensive piece fetching $2,000. Muncaster believes that the current interest in Everett’s work is primarily due to his association with Maud, which adds a unique historical and artistic value to his pieces.

The auction features four original paintings by Everett Lewis, as well as one of his Maud Lewis forgeries. Ethan Miller, CEO of Miller & Miller Auctions, believes that Everett’s work deserves recognition within the context of Nova Scotia folk art. The exhibit also includes works by other local artists such as Fred Trask and Collins Eisenhauer.

One collector, Edward Ross, shared his experience of purchasing what he believed were two Maud Lewis paintings from Everett in 1969. It was only decades later that he discovered they were forgeries, as expert analysis revealed that they did not match Maud’s signature style. Despite this revelation, Ross cherishes the paintings as part of his personal collection and reflects on the memorable encounter with Everett.

Overall, the auction of Everett Lewis’ original paintings provides a unique opportunity for art enthusiasts to acquire pieces that carry both historical significance and artistic merit. The enduring legacy of Maud and Everett Lewis continues to captivate collectors and audiences alike, showcasing the enduring appeal of their folk art creations.