Sixth-plate tintype of the American poet and writer Edgar Allan Poe, which was taken a few weeks before Poe’s death, after a daguerreotype by William A. Pratt. In a leather case. 1849–late 1850s. Courtesy of Swann
The collectible photography market is in an interesting spot at the moment, and Swann Auction Galleries is currently holding an online auction via eBay called Icons & Images to sell off some rather captivating pieces. The auction happens on Valentine’s Day and includes an eclectic mixture of photographic pieces.
The selection goes beyond fine art, including everything from Ansel Adams prints to original tintypes of famous figures. You can check out the whole listing here, or scroll down to see some of the notable inclusions.
Even if the auction has ended, it’s still pretty intriguing to check out what’s out there. All these unique pieces are starting to pick up steam at the moment, competing with the typical fine-art print market.
Group of 22 large-format photographs from various NASA missions, including scenes of astronauts floating in space and multiple topographic views of the Earth. With breathtaking iconic images of astronauts Bruce McCandless, Buzz Aldrin, Charles Duke, and Ed White as they traversed through space, taken during Gemini IV, Apollo 11, Skylab 3, and STS-41-B (a Space Shuttle Challenger mission), among others, as well as an array of painterly and abstract topographical views of the Earth, as witnessed from beyond its atmosphere. Ilfochrome prints, the images ranging in size from 19-1/2×19-1/2 to 20×24 inches (49.5×49.5 to 50.8×61 cm), and the reverse, many with numeric notations, in pencil and ink. Courtesy of SwannEDWARD S. CURTIS (1868–1952) The Rush Gatherer. Orotone, the plate measuring 13-1/2×16-1/2 inches (34.3×41.9 cm), the frame 19×22 inches (48.3×55.9 cm), with Curtis’s signature in the plate; in the original frame with the Curtis Studio label on verso. 1910 by David Travis 1985 hand stamp, on verso. 1965–84; printed circa 1985 Courtesy of SwannGRACIELA ITURBIDE (1942– ), Cayó del Cielo. Silver print, the image measuring 11-1/2×17-1/8 inches (29.2×43.5 cm), the sheet 15-1/2×19-1/8 inches (39.4×48.6 cm), with Iturbide’s signature, title, and date, in pencil, on verso. 1990 Courtesy of SwannAnsel Adems, Yosemite in Spring, El Capitan and Yosemite Valley. Together, 2 silver prints, the images measuring 7×9-1/2 inches (17.8×24.1 cm), and the reverse, each with Adams” Photographed in Yosemite by Ansel Adams hand stamp, caption labels, and handwritten press agency notations, including the date, in pencil, on verso. 1938 (2) Courtesy of Swann
Stan Horaczek is the senior gear editor of PopPhoto. He oversees a team of gear-obsessed writers and editors dedicated to finding and featuring the best and most useful photography equipment, from cameras and lenses to bags and accessories.
