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Landmark Moment in Canadian Art: Hamilton’s Herman Levy was there

July 15, 2013

newspaper clipping showing man bidding at auction

Earlier this year, Sotheby’s Canada announced that it was ceasing live auctions. Their very first live auction was held in 1967 at the Arcadian Court, Simpsons in Toronto and, as it happens, Hamilton businessman Herman H. Levy (McMaster Museum of Art’s greatest benefactor), was in attendance. We thought you’d enjoy this clipping from our archives.

The painting that Herman Levy purchased at that auction is now on view in the Museum’s exhibition The Moderns. This exhibition explores Levy’s passion for 20th century art.

The Museum also has the original Sotheby’s auction publication complete with Herman Levy’s handwritten notes.
The Museum also has the original Sotheby’s auction publication complete with Herman Levy’s handwritten notes.

Regina Haggo wrote a wonderful article about Chaim Soutine and McMaster Museum of Art’s paintings (a second painting by Soutine was purchased with Herman Levy’s Bequest) specifically in the July 13 issue of the Hamilton Spectator. Read it here!

newspaper clipping showing man bidding at auction
VIEW ARCHIVE
Link to News Archive for a complete list of past news articles

Recognizing Emerging Voices: 2026 Integrated Arts (iArts) Awards at the McMaster Museum of Art
May 7, 2026

The McMaster Museum of Art is proud to present and celebrate this year’s graduating Integrated Arts students through a series of awards, recognizing artistic excellence, collaboration, and innovation. From work that reflects the core values of the School of the Arts to projects that push creative boundaries and foster community — the SOTA Mission Award, Leadership & Community […]

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Christina Leslie Announcement on TFVA Award and Acquisition of Pinhole Remix (2020) for M(M)A Collection.
April 28, 2026

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Beyond February: Collecting Care and Reimagining Black Histories
March 3, 2026

The Black Madonnas of Perpetual Murmurs 19, 2023 collage, composition gold leaf, cutout on paper Museum of Art Collection Trust, 2024 As this year’s Black History Month come to a close, the McMaster Museum of Art wishes to extend its sincere appreciation to the Equity and Inclusion Office for their leadership and dedication in creating […]

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