Edward Steichen’s “The Flatiron,” which features the iconic building in New York, and Peter Lik’s “Phantom,” which has a scary figure in Arizona’s Antelope Canyon, are two of the most expensive photographs ever sold.
These images were sold for hefty sums of money because they are extremely rare and document significant historical events.
Top 10 Most Expensive Photographs Ever Sold
Many people regard photography as their preferred pastime or line of work. Even while the majority of people share their photos on social media, if those images are really good, they will fetch a high price when sold. Are you interested in learning more about the photography and its cost?
To learn more about the Most Expensive Photographs Ever Sold, read this article. Each photo has an explanation explaining what it depicts, who took it, and why it’s unique. You’ll also be informed about the time frame in which these photos were shot and the theories behind their alleged million-dollar value. You will also discover the reasons behind the popularity and notoriety of particular image types.
The Flatiron Building (1904) – $11,800,000
Title: The Flatiron (1904) by Edward Steichen
Artist: Edward Steichen (1879 – 1973)
Date Taken: 1904
Medium: Three-color halftone print
Dimensions (cm): 21 x 16
Date Sold: 10 November 2022
After it was finished in 1902, the Flatiron Building immediately rose to prominence as one of New York City’s most well-known structures. The images were drawn by well-known photographers Alfred Stieglitz and Edward Steichen.
Their primary goal is to accurately portray the beauty that arises in paintings. Steichen used gum arabic and potassium bichromate to color the platinum print in that image, resulting in a pictorialist look reminiscent of James McNeill Whistler’s The Nocturnes and Japanese woodcuts.
The photo was taken from Madison Square Park’s west side. It resulted in the creation of numerous prints in shades of orange, blue, and tan. These prints depict a uniquely American subject matter with a distinct creative flair.
Phantom (1999) – $6,500,000
Title: Phantom (1999) by Peter Lik
Artist: Peter Lik
Date Taken: 1999
Medium: Color photograph
Date Sold: November 2014
Peter Lik’s preferred location for photography is in the Southwestern United States, namely in Arizona’s Antelope Canyon, which has been sculpted over millions of years by natural water flow. “Phantom” is a startling black-and-white image of a ghostly figure that was taken in a cave beneath the surface of the earth.
Australian-born Lik has spent more than 30 years documenting and sharing the most breathtaking places on earth through photography. There is controversy surrounding his work despite his popularity and multiple prizes, particularly in relation to the selling of “Phantom.”
Lik’s artwork is frequently offered for sale in popular tourist destinations like Maui and Las Vegas. His paintings appeal to consumers who have discretionary means but lack formal training in art and view him as an accessible entry point into the art world.
Rhein II (1999) – $4,338,500
Title: Rhein II (1999) by Andreas Gursky
Artist: Andreas Gursky
Date Taken: 1999
Medium: C-print mounted to acrylic glass
Dimensions (cm): 190 x 360
Date Sold: 8 November 2011
One of the sections of the Rhine River near Düsseldorf, Germany, was painted by Andreas Gursky, popularly known as “Rhein II”. This well-known image appears to be a simple depiction of a straight stretch of water, but in reality, it displays an abstract arrangement of horizontal bands in several color varieties.
The horizon line completely divides the image, presenting a smooth, continuous river with green grass on either side and a blue-gray sky above. Gursky’s use of digital technology improves the representation of the real world rather than producing fantastical pictures.
Untitled #96 (1981)- $3,890,500
Title: Untitled #96 (1981) by Cindy Sherman
Artist: Cindy Sherman
Date Taken: 1981
Medium: Photograph
Date Sold: May 2011
Price: $3,890,500
Cindy Sherman’s “Untitled #96” is a unique photograph that she captured at the age of 27. In the photo, she’s resting on the ground, her orange sweater and checkered skirt tucked in. Her look is fixed on the camera, displaying a mix of attention and sorrow. She is holding a torn piece of newspaper.
Although she took this photo in 1981 for the Artforum magazine, it was never printed. However, it later became very well-known and was sold in 2011 for roughly $3.9 million. Some have nicknamed the picture she took of herself the most expensive selfie ever since she snapped it. There are several versions of this image available; one sold for $2.88 million in 2012.
Twin Flames #49 NFT (2021)-$3,781,159
Title: Twin Flames #49 NFT (2021) by Justin Aversano
Artist: Justin Aversano
Date Taken: 2021
Medium: Digital photograph/NFT
Date Sold: 2022
Price: 871 ETH (approximately $3,781,159)
“Twin Flames #49” is a digital image from Justin Aversano’s Twin Flames collection. He photographed one hundred sets of twins in all. Popular American artist Aversano also assists in running Save Art Space. He believes that the value of art transcends financial gain and that it has the power to improve people’s lives.
The reason this unusual picture is so significant is because it most likely depicts Alyson and Courtney Aliano as twins. Alyson appears dejected in the photo, standing by a mirror and seemed to mourn her sister. In 2022, the image was offered as an exclusive digital product known as an NFT. It sold for 871 Ethereum, or roughly $3.78 million. A small portion of the proceeds supported emerging musicians via the Raw Doa Treasury.
To Her Majesty (1973) – $3,749,000
Title: To Her Majesty (1973) by Gilbert and George
Artists: Gilbert Proesch and George Passmore
Date Taken: 1973
Medium: Black and white photographs
Date Sold: June 2008
Price: GBP 1,889,250 (approximately $3,767,950 at the time)
Gilbert and George’s “To Her Majesty” consists of a series of black-and-white images on a white backdrop. Although many people consider Gilbert Proesch and George Passmore to be one artist, they are actually two individuals. They are commonly referred to as Gilbert and George.
They started working together when they first met in 1967 while studying sculpture in London. A significant component of their Drinking Sculptures Project, “To Her Majesty” consists of 37 photographs they took at the Balls Brothers Wine Bar in London throughout the 1970s.
These intentionally distorted, warped, and fuzzy images convey the sensation of inebriation. The artwork was sold for GBP 1,889,250 at Christie’s London in June 2008—a price that exceeded their expectations and demonstrated the uniqueness of their work.
Untitled Cowboy (1998) – $3,749,000
Title: Untitled Cowboy (1998) by Richard Prince
Artist: Richard Prince (1949 – Present)
Date Taken: 1998
Medium: Ektacolor photograph
Dimensions (cm): 181 x 271
Date Sold: 12 May 2014
Price: $3,749,000
“Untitled Cowboy” by Richard Prince is a part of his Cowboy series, which he began releasing in the 1980s. Prince recreates a familiar American image in this collection, showing the iconic Marlboro man on his cowboy adventure.
The anonymous cowboy is seen in the photo trying to tame a wild black horse in the desert while sporting a stylish cowboy hat, leather leggings, and boots. Prince wants to draw attention to the cowboy as a representation of American culture. The image was expected to be worth between $3,000,000 and $4,000,000 when it was sold at Christie’s New York auction in May 2012. The final amount paid was $3,749,000.
Dead Troops Talk (1992)- $3,666,500
Title: Dead Troops Talk (1992) by Jeff Wall
Artist: Jeff Wall (1946 – Present)
Date Taken: 1992
Medium: Color photograph
Dimensions (cm): 229 x 417
Date Sold: 8 May 2012
Price: $3,666,500
“Dead Troops Talk” by Jeff Wall depicts an Afghan battle scene. Wall creates the scene like a movie, despite the fact that it appears to be an original photo. It concerns an assault on Soviet soldiers from the Red Army by fighters from the Mujahideen.
Wall uses models and lighting to create the illusion that it is a war painting. The pictures evoke feelings of death, melancholy, and pessimism because you can see the attackers in the backdrop and every Soviet soldier appears to be dead or dying. In May 2012, this image went up for auction in New York for a hefty $3,666,500. The estimated selling price was $2,000,000 to $1,500,000 less.
Untitled Cowboy (2000)- $3,525,000
Title: Untitled Cowboy (2000) by Richard Prince
Artist: Richard Prince
Date Taken: 2000
Medium: Photograph
Price: $3,525,000
Part of Richard Prince’s Cowboy series, “Untitled Cowboy” features the iconic Marlboro man, a representation of American society. Similar to his other images in this series, Prince edits the actual commercial image by cropping out all of the text and emphasizing some key elements.
This image shows numerous cowboys arranged in various postures amidst trees. With the purple sky and yellowish ground, the trees appear as shadows. The image has a serene, tranquil sense to it because of the sunset’s gentle hues. This image brought $3,525,000 at an auction in New York, slightly higher than the $2,500,000 to $3,500,000 estimate that most people had placed on it.
Untitled Cowboy (2001-2002)- $3,401,000
Title: Untitled Cowboy (2001-2002) by Richard Prince
Artist: Richard Prince
Date Taken: 2001-2002
Medium: Photograph
Price: $3,401,000
The image “Untitled Cowboy” by Richard Prince is another of the Marlboro man, a subject he frequently photographs. In this one, a cowboy sitting on a fence and wielding a lasso is seen in silhouette.
He’s had on a cowboy hat, boots, and traditional cowboy attire. In stark contrast to the grey cowboy figure, the orange and yellow hues of the sky behind him give the impression that it is on fire. At a New York auction, this picture brought $3,401,000. That’s a lot more than the estimated selling price of $2,000,000 to $1,500,000.
Source: www.Ghgossip.com
