S otheby’s Photographs presents its summer sale Bette Davis Eyes and Other Natural Phenomena – anchored by Victor Skrebneski’s iconic portrait of the famed actress and Roddy McDowall’s unique photographic collage of Davis. Taking inspiration from Kim Carnes’ 1982 Grammy-winning song ‘Bette Davis Eyes,’ auction highlights include many images of striking, often seductive women, such as Edward Weston’s portraits of Tina Modotti and Charis Wilson; William Wegman’s inventive reimagining of the tale of Cinderella; Vik Muniz’s contemporary interpretation of Gustave Courbet’s infamous painting The Origin of the World; and Yasumasa Morimura’s self-portrait in the guise of Frida Kahlo. The sale also features cityscapes by Berenice Abbott, Bill Brandt and Garry Winogrand; landscapes and seascapes by Stephen Shore, Henry Wessel, and Karine Laval; still life studies by William Eggleston and Andy Warhol; interiors by Diane Arbus and Matthew Pillsbury; and surrealist-inspired montages by Jerry Uelsmann. With several estimates starting at just $1,000, all photographs are offered at No Reserve and present an exciting opportunity for seasoned and new collectors alike.
The natural world continually astounds us with its visual potency: from Bette Davis’ soulful stare and the cloud-like formation of birds in flight to the intricate anatomy of a bee and the infinitely unique architecture of snowflakes, these photographs capture the wonders of nature.
Whether you are traveling this summer, or simply exploring your local offerings, take a voyage by car, train or motorcycle through photographs by Stephen Shore, O. Winston Link, William Eggleston, and Danny Lyon.
As the temperature rises, grab a snow cone and jump into the water. Discover vibrant poolscapes by contemporary photographer Karine Laval, colorful still lifes by William Eggleston, and pool-side portraits by Edward Weston and Mary Ellen Mark.
Let your imagination run wild and connect with your inner child by playing dress up with William Wegman and Yasumasa Morimura, making a paper airplane with Loretta Lux, and venturing through Jerry Uelsmann’s mind-boggling surrealist landscapes.
No photographer captured the essence of New York City in the early decades of the 20th century as well as Berenice Abbott. Our summer auction includes a wide selection of her iconic documents of the Big Apple.