Photo auctions have been one of the most grueling times for any photography enthusiast. Not only do they show the real-world demand for photography, but they also pit many great photographers against one another. For instance, Nan Goldin and Robert Frank were two photographers whose works were the most highly valued during last year’s Leica auction. Similarly, Fine Photographs, a new auction hosted at Swann last week in New York, also saw two legends going toe-to-toe: Robert Mapplethorpe and Ansel Adams. However, Mapplethrope’s work almost sold for twice the price of an Adams photograph.
From the beginning, Double Jack in the Pulpit by Robert Mapplethorpe was estimated at a much higher value of $40,000 to $60,000, while Adams’ Winter Sunrise, Sierra Nevada from Lone Pine, California, was estimated at $20,000 to $30,000. According to Collector Daily, the high estimate tie, however, was between Mapplethorpe and Roy DeCarava, whose Hallway, New York, was estimated at the same value as Mapplethorpe.
While it may seem odd, Mapplethorpe‘s work was possibly valued highly due to the delicate nature of the photograph. It showcases two jacks in the pulpit, with the black and white image highlighting the delicate veins of the plants in a soft light. However, on the other hand, you see the signature high-contrast picture of Adams showcasing the untouched beauty of Sierra Nevada in California. As usual, the two were certainly very difficult choices to make, but finally, the decision was made.
Ansel Adams prevailed, with the picture fetching $35,000. On the other hand, Robert Mapplethorpe‘s work was sold for $27,500. However, the image that fetched the most was by Roy DeCarava, getting a staggering $50,000 under the hammer.
Overall, there were 236 images, with the sales dividing the revenue between the low and high estimates. The low estimate works ranged between a few hundred dollars and a few thousand. However, the low-estimate sales made over $900K, whereas the high-estimate lot fetched $77,500. Collector Daily reports that 71.89% of the prints managed to be close to or above the predicted range.
In addition, the sales saw a few surprises, too. For instance, Mike Mandel’s Complete set of 134 Baseball Photographer Trading Cards, 1975, sold for $22,500, surpassing the estimate of $2000-3000. Similarly, Grete Stern & Ellen Auerbach’s Ringl + Pit Fotografie Portfolio fetched $16,250, while the estimate was about $7000. Last but not least was Richard Avedon, whose Dovima in Balenciaga went under the hammer for $17500, while its estimate was $5000-7500.
As we always state ,photographs do not really sell for more than a painting would. However, a study by ArtTactic proved that’s not the case. Not only were we seeing a positive trend in the auction of legendary photographers, but also the works of emerging artists. This only proves that while there is a demand, there has to be more awareness about photography as art. If the latter fails, it is likely to disrupt the moment we have been gaining. And as photographers, do you really want that?
The top lot by High estimate was tied between two lots, both estimated at $40000-60000: lot 26, Robert Mapplethorpe, Double Jack in the Pulpit, 1988, and lot 52, Roy DeCarava, Hallway, New York, 1953. The Mapplethorpe print sold at $27500, while the DeCarava print was the top outcome of the sale at $50000 (image above, via Swann).