Estate of Horst Rechelbacher: The Visionary Collection Behind Aveda
Revere Auctions faced an extraordinary task when entrusted with the estate of Horst Rechelbacher; to honor the legacy of a man whose influence spanned beauty, sustainability, and global artistry. Known internationally as the founder of Aveda and later Intelligent Nutrients, Rechelbacher was more than an entrepreneur — he was a health and wellness guru, an environmentalist, a philanthropist, a hairstylist, and a passionate art collector.
Rechelbacher’s life and work were defined by innovation and mindfulness. Born in Austria, he rose from a young stylist to a world-renowned pioneer of plant-based cosmetics and ethical business practices. Rechelbacher put plant-based, natural products on the map through Aveda, which he sold to Estee Lauder in 1997 for a reported $300 million. After the sale, he traveled the world and began his collecting journey.
Behind the public figure was a deeply private collector who surrounded himself with art, furniture, and objects that embodied craftsmanship, spirituality, and a cross-cultural dialogue. His home and studio in Osceola, Wisconsin, stood as a living reflection of his philosophy that beauty, wellness, and creativity are inseparable. His collection was as eclectic and refined as the man himself — filled with Asian sculptures, antique furniture, modern and postwar paintings, ritual objects, and design pieces by masters such as Carlo Bugatti, Shiro Kuramata, and Salvador Dalí. On his global search for objects, Rechelbacher sometimes purchased from the highest-end auction house in Austria. Other times, he’d dip into antique street markets in Hong Kong or a random shop in New York City’s Chinatown and just buy everything. In 2022, Revere Auctions undertook the complex and prestigious responsibility of handling the Horst Rechelbacher estate, producing not one but two major estate auctions to honor the scope and spirit of his collection.
These events, titled Style & Splendor: Selections from the Estate of Horst Rechelbacher, showcased hundreds of works drawn from his private residence and studio — each piece reflecting the global curiosity and refined sensibility that defined Rechelbacher’s life.
Alex Grey “Dalai Lama” Acrylic on Wood Panel
Sold: $65,000
Carlo Bugatti Monumental Corner Cabinet
Sold: $40,000
Chinese Enameled and Gilt Tripod Censer w/ Stand
Sold: $12,000
900 Silver Indian Hookah
Sold: $8,000
Hosting the Rechelbacher estate sales required great care and expertise. The team at Revere coordinated months of cataloging, provenance research, and curatorial preparation to ensure that each item was documented with scholarly precision. Every object, from intricately carved Buddhist sculptures to finely inlaid Syrian furniture, was photographed and presented with its historical and cultural context intact.
The result was a series of beautifully produced auctions that captured not just the value of the works, but the narrative of a collector who believed that art should elevate the human spirit.
Recognizing the diversity of Rechelbacher’s holdings, Revere structured the project into two distinct sales — a live estate auction that celebrated major artworks and furniture, and a timed online auction designed to give global collectors access to smaller but equally meaningful pieces. This multi-format approach reflected Revere’s commitment to thoughtful estate handling and accessibility, ensuring that each work found its rightful audience while maintaining the integrity of the overall collection.
Tall Chinese Bronze Censer with Foo Dog Finial
Sold: $4,600
Allyson Grey Psychedelic Oil on Wood
Sold: $6,000
Large Syrian Mother of Pearl Inlaid Mirror
Sold: $4,000
Alfred Boucher “L’hirondelle Blessee” Bronze
Sold: $3,600
Hung Liu “Narcissus 4” Mixed Media 2007
Sold: $26,000
Chinese Qing Dynasty Wooden Seated Buddha
Sold: $9,500
Colville Oil Painting of Virgin with Angels
Sold: $3,700
Chiparus Art Deco Bronze-Colored Metal Sculpture
Sold: $1,525
The logistical effort was immense behind the scenes. From transporting delicate antiques and large-scale sculptures to designing catalog layouts and managing international bidding, Revere’s staff went to exceptional lengths to honor both the artistic and emotional weight of the estate. Every step was guided by the same care and respect that Horst himself brought to his creative and environmental work.
The success of these auctions reaffirmed Rechelbacher’s legacy as not only a pioneer in holistic beauty but also a collector whose vision bridged cultures and centuries. His estate offered a rare glimpse into a mind that sought harmony in all things — from business and design to ecology and art. And for Revere Auctions, the opportunity to manage and present this estate underscored the firm’s reputation as a trusted leader in estate appraisal, art collection management, and high-profile estate auctions throughout the Midwest and beyond.
Through its stewardship of the Horst Rechelbacher estate, Revere Auctions once again demonstrated its ability to balance scholarship, sensitivity, and market expertise — ensuring that the legacy of one of Minnesota’s most remarkable cultural figures continues to inspire collectors and connoisseurs around the world.
Check out some local press this estate garnered for us: