Ansel Adams’ ‘National Parks’ may soar to $40K
More than 20 prints by legendary photographer Ansel Adams will cross the auction block at Heritage Auctions’ New York gallery on May 3. The lots includes the impressive 15-photo “Portfolio Two: The National Parks and Monuments,” which may command $40,000.
DALLAS – Ansel Adams’ acclaimed “Portfolio Two: The National Parks and Monuments,” purchased directly from the artist in 1952 and accompanied by the original
receipt by former assistant and lifelong friend Pirkle Jones, may sell for $40,000 when it comes up for auction May 3 in New York. The lot, which will be offered in Heritage Auctions’ spring Photographs Auction, includes 15 images of Adams’ breathtaking views of America’s National Park system.
“This portfolio is considered Adams’ finest work and it has been held in one family until now makes it all that more important,” said Rachel Peart, director of Photography at Heritage Auctions. “The fact the owners kept the original typed receipt for $100 gives the portfolio a time capsule quality.”
In addition to in-person, phone and absentee bidding, online bidding is available at www.ha.com.
Another artwork with strong provenance to the artist is Robert Mapplethorpe’s “Roger in Fishnets, 1983,” which was gifted to the current owner by the model and is accompanied by a letter from the artist and the estate of the artist ($15,000+). This marks the first time this work has ever been offered at public auction.
Two important photographs by Henri Cartier-Bresson include “Ille de la Cite, 1952,” which was purchased directly from the artist in 1996 ($15,000+) and his instantly-recognizable “Rue Mouffetard, 1954,” preserves a proud French schoolboy happily carrying two bottles of wine ($15,000+).
Another highlight is an impressive enlargement by Helmut Newton, “David Bowie, Monte Carlo, 1983,” a contact sheet showing 36 portraits of the rocker ($30,000+).
Additional highlights include, but are not limited to:
• Terry O’Neill’s “Faye Dunaway, Hollywood, 1977,” taken the day after the Academy Awards in March 1977 where Dunaway won Best Actress for her role in Network ($10,000+)
• “Mad Eyes, Haiti, 1958,” by W. Eugene Smith, purchased directly from the artist ($5,000+)
• “New York Stock Exchange, 1936,” by Berenice Abbott,
($6,000+)
• Richard Avedon’s “Suzy Parker and Daughter (Georgia Belle Floran Coco Chanel de la Salle), 1960” ($4,000+).
For more details, visit www.ha.com or call 877-437-4824.
