Everett Lewis Painting Shatters Auction Record at $18,400

BREAKING: An oil painting by Everett Lewis has just set an international auction record at Jones Auction House in Saint John, New Brunswick. The artwork, titled Two Black Cats (1972), sold for an astonishing $18,400, far exceeding its high estimate of $4,500.

This landmark sale, confirmed by Jones Auction House, marks the highest recorded auction price worldwide for a painting by Everett Lewis, underscoring the surging interest in Maritime folk artists within the Canadian art market.

Caleb Jones, owner and director of Jones Auction House, stated, “The Two Black Cats sales result reflects the growing recognition of Maritime folk artists.” This painting was acquired directly from Everett in 1972 and has remained in a private Nova Scotia collection for over 50 years.

While the demand for Everett’s work has historically lagged behind that of his wife, Maud Lewis, interest has notably increased in recent years. In 2024, Jones Auction House sold two of Maud’s paintings for impressive sums of $90,850 and $87,400 respectively, highlighting the stark contrast in market values.

The sale of Two Black Cats was part of the 2025 Fall Art & Luxury Auction, which showcased a diverse array of artwork and designer items from Atlantic Canadian collections. Other Atlantic Canadian pieces also performed exceptionally well, with Maud Lewis’s works fetching around double their estimated prices.

“The Atlantic Canadian art market is currently very strong,” Jones emphasized, noting that collectors from across Canada and the U.S. are increasingly interested in this region’s artists.

Jones Auction House, established in 2022, specializes in both historical and contemporary artwork from Atlantic Canada. This recent auction success is a testament to the growing appreciation of regional artistry on international platforms.

The results of this auction are not just numbers; they represent a pivotal moment for the recognition of Maritime artists and their impact on the broader art community. As the art market continues to evolve, collectors are urged to keep an eye on these emerging talents.

Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story, as the fascination with Maritime art continues to capture the attention of art enthusiasts worldwide.