On November 10th collectors of fine photography will have the opportunity to bid on an exceptional selection of work to be presented at the New York galleries of Bonhams. Amongst the 151 lots to be offered will be work by artists including Ansel Adams, Edward Weston, Richard Avedon, and Diane Arbus.
A stunning work by Edward Weston leads the sale. The 1936 nude featuring Charis (pictured, left), his former assistant and wife at the time, includes all of the elements for which Weston is known. Measuring 9 1/2 x 7 1/2in, the work perfectly displays the photographer’s precise and sharp presentation. Signed, dated, and numbered ‘227N’ by the photographer in pencil the lot carries an estimate of $70/90,000.
Also of great interest to collectors will be a piece by Richard Avedon. Dovima with Elephants, Cirque d’Hiver, Paris (1955) is a prime example of the photographer’s signature style. Featuring the famous 50’s model, Dovima, glamorously posing in front of circus elephants, the photo captures the spirit of 50’s sophistication and is expected to fetch $25/35,000.
A fanciful work by Joel Peter Witkin will be offered as well. Witkin’s Harvest, Philadelphia (1984) makes use of his favorite of subjects- corpses. Using death, the photographer creates a surreal work which actually emphasizes rebirth and the cycle of the life. Carrying an estimate of $15/25,000, the lot is sure to draw serious collector interest.
Certain to attract spirited bidding is Dunes, Oceano, California (1936) by Brett Weston. The photographer’s use of high contrast, abstract imagery clearly conveys the dramatic expansiveness of this natural setting. The lot is estimated at $10/15,000.
A work by Diane Arbus is also attracting much pre-sale attention. Titled Patriotic Young Man with a Flag, N.Y.C. (1967), the photograph carries all of the hallmarks of her work and is estimated at $10/15,000.
Additionally, sixteen Ansel Adams works, from various owners, will be offered. Ranging in estimate from $2/3,000 to $8/12,000 this group includes the photographer’s lauded Yosemite photos as well as his Sierra Foothills and Yellowstone photos, amongst others.
Other lots to note are Edward S. Curtis’ Mósa-Mohave, from The North American Indian (est. $10/15,000); two works by Walker Evans acquired from the famed Light Gallery, both estimated at $8/10,000; and Lee Friedlander’s 1969 Mt. Rushmore (est. $7/10,000).
Viewings will begin at the Madison Avenue galleries on November 1st until the morning of the sale which takes place on November 10th at 2PM EST. The illustrated auction catalog for the sale will be online at www.bonhams.com/us in the weeks preceding the preview and auction. For more information about the department, please visit www.bonhams.com/newyork
