Richard Prince Wins Top Auction Lot for Photography In 2024
In 2024, the photography auction market experienced a subdued yet noteworthy year, with several remarkable sales capturing the attention of collectors. Leading the list was Richard Prince’s ‘Untitled (Cowboy), 1997’, which fetched approximately $2.6 million at Christie’s London in October, underscoring the enduring appeal of Prince’s reinterpretation of American iconography.
Prince’s prominence continued with two additional ‘Cowboy’ series photographs securing the second and third spots, ‘Untitled (Cowboy), 1999’ sold for $1.865 million and ‘Silhouette Cowboy, 1998-1999’ achieved $1.744 million.
A significant highlight was William Eggleston’s ‘Untitled, c. 1971-1974’, which set a new auction record for the artist, selling for $1.441 million. This sale reflects a growing appreciation for Eggleston’s pioneering colour photography.
Other notable sales included, ‘Identical Twins, Roselle, New Jersey, 1966’ by Diane Arbus ($1.197 M); ‘Shell (Nautilus), 1927’ by Edward Weston ($1.071 M); ‘Marilyn Monroe, New York City, 1957’ by Richard Avedon ($882 K); ‘Untitled #94, 1981’ by Cindy Sherman ($806.4 K); ‘New York, Mercantile Exchange, 2000’ by Andreas Gursky ($755,904) and ‘Aspens, Northern New Mexico (Vertical), 1958/1970s’ by Ansel Adams ($720 K).
By securing eight of the top ten sales, Christie’s auction house demonstrated significant dominance, highlighting their strong position in the high-end photography market. Phillips experienced a more mixed performance, with their November sale totalling $54.1 million, a 23% decline from the previous year, with several high-value lots failing to sell.
While the year did not witness groundbreaking records, the sustained interest in iconic works by renowned photographers suggests a stable and discerning market. Collectors continue to value the historical and artistic significance of these works, ensuring their esteemed status in the art world.
To find out more, read the full breakdown and analysis on Collector Daily.
