Emily Carr Painting Bought for $50 Sells for $349,250 at Toronto Auction

The 1912 artwork, depicting an Indigenous memorial post, was rediscovered in a New York barn after being gifted by Carr nearly a century ago.

The painting, titled 'Masset, Q.C.I.', was created in 1912 by renowned Canadian artist Emily Carr as part of her efforts to document First Nations artistic heritage in British Columbia.
It was discovered earlier this year in a barn in the Hamptons, New York, where it had been hanging for about 90 years after being gifted by Carr to friends in the 1930s.
The oil on canvas piece was purchased at the barn sale for $50 by a New York-based art dealer, who later realized its significance and arranged for its auction in Canada.
The painting sold for $290,000 CAD at Heffel Fine Art Auction House, exceeding its presale estimate of $100,000 to $200,000; with buyer's fees, the total price reached $349,250.
The artwork features a carved grizzly bear atop a memorial totem pole from the village of Masset in Haida Gwaii, reflecting Carr's deep connection to Indigenous culture and art.