A Constant Pursuit Auction

A summer empty of photography auctions sees an autumn filled with them. Phillips will be hosting its second photography auction of the season on Thursday 4th October (the same day as their first Photographs auction of the season).

‘A Constant Pursuit: Photographs from the collection of Ed Cohen and Victoria Shaw’ will take place in New York and includes 83 lots from famed photographers such as Richard Avedon, Robert Mapplethorpe, Man Ray, Diane Arbus (featured), Irving Penn and Robert Frank. Estimates range from $1,200 to $300,000.

Phillips published a press release about the auction, along with information about the collectors:

Avid collectors of Contemporary Art and Photographs, Ed Cohen and Victoria Shaw have acquired an impressive collection of works by some of the most important artists of the 19th through 21st centuries. With a keen interest in the intersection of art and literature, and in works that speak to the essence of humanity

Vanessa Hallett, Deputy Chairman, Americas, and Worldwide Head of Photographs, said, “Renowned collectors, Ed Cohen and Victoria Shaw have acquired an extensive collection of 20th Century & Contemporary Art and Photographs. Their passionate approach to collecting is driven by intellect and intuition, resulting in a unique and endlessly fascinating personal collection.”

Ed Cohen said, “The photographs in the collection resonate with my intense relationships to literature, poetry, art and architecture. Human experience and the photographer’s eye, catching the moment where revelation occurs. Irving Penn’s Barnett Newman. I have lived with two Newmans, and Penn brings to life the minimal perfection that is in his paintings. Robert Mapplethorpe’s American Flag, makes us think about the nature of patriotism. Atget’s late photo, St. Cloud, 1926, has an ancient mystery about it. As Diane Arbus said, great photographs have a secret about them but also a revelation.”

The leading lot in this sale is Marilyn Monroe, New York City, May 6 by Richard Avedon, a silver print portrait of the actress with an estimate of $200,000 – $300,000. To see the e-catalogue of this auction visit the issuu page here or browse lots and register to bid here.