Auction PR Publicity Announcements News and Information
Auction PR Publicity Announcements News and Information

Giants of Photography Auction

When bidding on the showroom floor at Heritage’s inaugural Vintage and Contemporary Photography Signature Auction starts on Dec. 12, there will be conversations with larger than life figures like Hemingway, Jackie O and Clark Gable going on, facilitated by some of the greatest names to ever pick up a camera. Edward Curtis, Lee Friedlander, Eve Arnold, Lewis Wickes Hine, Alfred Stieglitz, William Henry Jackson, Cornell Capa, Eugene Atget, and Carlton Watkins are just a few of the legendary photographers whose work will be represented in this sale.

“This is an exciting opportunity for the entire photography community and for Heritage,” said Lorraine Anne Davis, Director of Fine Art Photography. “Not only does starting this division give dealers and collectors a new place to consign and bid on great photography, it’s got the impeccable Heritage name attached to it.”

While the collection that comprises this auction is world-class by any standard, there are a few lots that stand out among the many, including Hank O’Neal’s iconic 1979 portrait of Jacqueline Onassis (estimated $8,000-$10,000), taken at the artist’s Manhattan studio on the spur of the moment. What emerged is a brilliant photograph of one of modern histories most intriguing and glamorous figures. It also ended up being the only formal portrait taken of JFK’s widow since 1963, the year Kennedy was assassinated. This large silver gelatin print is a rare find, and even rarer as an intimate look at an intensely personal and private woman.

Another singular portrait that will be part of Heritage’s inaugural photography sale on Dec. 12 will be Yousuf Karsh’s haunting and powerful 1954 portrait of Ernest Hemingway (estimate $25,000-$30,000). Karsh’s signature use of deep shadow creates a chiaroscuro effect – Karsh similarly used the same technique to great result for Winston Churchill’s most famous portrait – on Hemingway’s face and simultaneously reveals the immense power within the writer, body and mind, as well as the deep burden that fueled the depression that ultimately led to Hemingway’s suicide in 1961. The consignor bought this image directly from Karsh in Ottowa after seeing it at the 1967 World’s Fair. It is a rare oversized image.

Also of note in the sale are three different lots of photographs from Eve Arnold, one of Magnum Photography’s greatest names, featuring Clark Gable while he was filming The Misfits (estimate $2,000-$3,000 each). Marilyn Monroe makes a few appearances across these three lots, as do Billy Wilder and Arthur Miller, but the great Gable is the unquestioned focus of the pictures. Near the end of his career, and still every bit as charismatic as he always was, Gable is seen in rehearsal, while filming, relaxing and in moments of quiet repose, deep in thought. Taken as a trio, the lots are a compelling triptych through a brief, but important section of the life of one of Hollywood’s greatest names.

“There are many great photography offerings in this auction to suit any level of collector and we hope buyers take advantage of the great photos and the great prices,” said Davis. “Photography is so collectible because of its accessibility, its affordability, and its tendency to hold its value.”

The sale will take place at Heritage’s Dallas Design District Annex at 1518 Slocum Street. Public lot viewing begins Saturday, December 6. Private viewings are available by appointment only beginning November 15.