Last Updated on 03/14/2019 by Mark Beckenbach
Looking for the next item to add to your growing print collection? You might want to consider this (most likely) rare print by Diane Arbus.
Attention vintage fans and print collectors! If you’re in the mood to expand your stash of retro memorabilia or rare prints, you might be interested in our latest previous find: a most likely rare Diane Arbus print. In the listing, by Washington-based ebay seller serialpug, the black and white print is described as a 17″ by 17″ photograph of Blaze Starr. It appears to be fixed to a cardboard backing, but most of the backing has also been ripped off. The photos show that the print has scratches and discoloration throughout. Other flaws mentioned rough edges, a visible crease, and some bubbling. It bears no signatures or print information anywhere. The print is being sold in ‘found’ condition and may need to be restored. It’s listed at $4,999.99 but the seller is open to information and offers on this piece, as the condition is likely to dictate a different price.
We’re pretty sure you’re most likely familiar with Diane Arbus, an American photographer best known for her photos of outsiders and marginalized people, such as transgenders, carnival performers, dwarves, nudists, and strippers. Blaze Starr, on the other hand, was an American stripper and one of the most popular burlesque stars of the 1950s. Arbus took this photo in 1964, in Starr’s living room in her Baltimore home.
Looking at a similar print put on auction by Christie’s, this item may be one of the limited edition of 75 gelatin silver prints made by Neil Selkirk. Another listing for a print of the photo owned by Fraenkel Gallery indicates a $15,000 – $20,000 price tag, which makes this $5,000 print a steal. But in any case, it would be best to seek the advise of an expert before you buy it now or make your best offer from the ebay listing.
Images from the ebay listing by serialpug
