Folk artist Maud Lewis’s husband’s artwork, including fake signature, draws $5,500

The Legacy of Maud Lewis and the Art of Everett Lewis

The art world is abuzz with the recent sale of a painting attributed to the renowned Canadian folk artist Maud Lewis, though it was actually the work of her husband, Everett Lewis. This intriguing twist has shed light on the complex relationship between the couple and their contributions to the world of folk art. Maud Lewis, who passed away in 1970, left behind a legacy of charming, bucolic paintings that captured the essence of rural Nova Scotia. Her works, which often depict serene landscapes and whimsical animals, have become highly sought after, regularly fetching tens of thousands of dollars at auctions. However, the story of her husband Everett, who also painted in her style, adds a fascinating layer to the narrative of their shared artistic journey.

Everett Lewis: The Artist Behind the Curtain

Everett Lewis, who died in 1979, played a dual role in the life and career of Maud Lewis. Not only was he her husband and primary salesman, but he also became her collaborator and, eventually, a painter in his own right. Toward the end of Maud’s life, Everett assists her in her work, painting backgrounds and filling in colors for some of her pieces. After her passing, he continued to create art, drawing inspiration from her style and themes. However, Everett’s methods were not without controversy. According to art dealer Ethan Miller, CEO of Miller and Miller Auctions, Everett would often sign his own paintings with Maud’s name, a practice that has sparked both intrigue and debate among art enthusiasts and collectors.

The Auction and the Allure of a False Signature

The recent auction at Miller and Miller’s folk art event in New Hamburg, Ontario, brought Everett Lewis’s work into the spotlight once again. Among the five pieces sold, the painting "Two Oxen in Winter," falsely signed with Maud Lewis’s name, fetched the highest price at $5,500.Interestingly, a nearly identical painting by Everett, this time bearing his own signature, sold for $4,250. This price difference highlights the enduring appeal of Maud Lewis’s name and the storytelling that surrounds her art. As Ethan Miller noted, the narrative behind a piece—its history, its creator, and its context—can be just as important as the artwork itself in determining its value.

The Story Behind the Paintings

The story of Everett Lewis’s paintings, particularly those he attributed to Maud, adds a layer of intrigue to the auction. According to Miller, Everett was known for being "underhanded" in his dealings with art buyers. After Maud’s death, when visitors came to their home seeking her work, Everett would often present his own paintings as hers. This practice, while ethically questionable, speaks to the couple’s shared artistic vision and the blurred lines between their respective contributions to the folk art world. The "Two Oxen in Winter" painting, with itswintry scene and a figure wielding a whip alongside the oxen, captures the essence of Maud’s style while incorporating subtle touches that reflect Everett’s hand.

Maud Lewis: The Artist Who Captivated the World

Maud Lewis’s rise to fame is a testament to her talent and resilience. Despite struggling with rheumatoid arthritis, which made it difficult for her to hold a brush, she continued to paint, creating works that exude joy and tranquility. Her paintings, often depicting animals, landscapes, and scenes from rural life, have captured the hearts of art lovers worldwide. Ray Cronin, a curator and writer, noted that Maud and Everett were a team in more ways than one. They traveled through southern Nova Scotia, selling fish and brightly painted cards, a venture that not only supported their livelihood but also helped establish Maud’s artistic reputation.

The Folk Art Tradition Lives On

The auction not only showcased the works of Everett Lewis but also highlighted the enduring popularity of folk art in Canada. In addition to the paintings by Maud and Everett Lewis, the event featured works by other Nova Scotian artists, providing a glimpse into the region’s rich artistic heritage. Among the pieces sold was a painting by Maud titled "Three Black Cats," which fetched $38,000, further cementing her status as one of Canada’s most beloved folk artists. The inclusion of Everett’s work in the auction serves as a reminder of the intertwined lives and artistic contributions of the Lewis couple, offering a deeper understanding of the legacy they left behind.

In conclusion, the story of Maud and Everett Lewis is one of love, art, and the power of storytelling. While Maud’s name may have been the draw for many buyers, the auction also brought much-needed attention to the work of her husband,whose contributions to the world of folk art are undeniably significant. As the art world continues to celebrate Maud Lewis’s legacy, it is also beginning to recognize the role that Everett played in shaping and preserving her artistic vision—creating a tale that is as fascinating as the works themselves.