Last week I had the pleasure of attending the Photographs From the Isadore and Kelly Friedman Collection sale at Christie's.  The sale was of particular interest to me because the Friedman's were long time collectors of Camera Work and Camera Notes photogravures.

The catalog and preview were somewhat disorganized.  Pieces were mis-labeled and many were tucked away in the warehouse area of the auction house.  I was surprised to see that only the very high-end plates had been examined out of their frame.  I was also surprised to see that very few people were previewing.

At the sale, however, most lots did very well.  It seemed like the only ones that failed to command high prices were the ones that were not described well. In all, it was a great day for Camera Work and Photogravure in general.


Some highlights (including buyer's premium):

Steichen Pastoral Moonlight $3,250

Stieglitz Two Towers $5,625

Stieglitz Hand of Man $5,000

Strand Wall Street $13,750

Strand White Fence $13,750 

Coburn Mark Twain (from Men of Mark) $1,625

Steichen Venice, Matisse, Dolor (3 total) $5250