Exceptional array of photographs go on sale next month in London

Christie’s London sale of Photographs on 15 May will be led by a group of 14 unique gelatin silver prints, including oversized works by Peter Beard, largely commissioned by and for photography collector Anne Igou in 1997, owner of the Hotel Nord Pinus in Arles.

After more than a decade of being displayed on the principal walls of the Nord Pinus, located in the heart of Arles, this exceptional group of prints will be offered for the first time on the market. The sale will also feature works by 20th century masters, along with a carefully selected group of Contemporary and fashion photography, led by the work of Helmut Newton, Henri Cartier-Bresson, Horst P. Horst and David LaChapelle. Comprising 108 lots with estimates ranging from £1,500 to 70,000, the sale is expected to realise in the region of £1.5 million.

The Contemporary section of the sale will be highlighted by four works by David LaChapelle, including the artist’s proof of Angelina Jolie, Horseplay, Los Angeles, 2001 (estimate: £25,000-35,000) and Berlin Stories, 2009, which is number 2 from an edition of 3 (estimate: £25,000-35,000). Also featured is a staged scene of Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt around a family dinner table entitled Case Study No. 13, Image No. 34, 2005 (estimate: £8,000-12,000) as well as Albert Watson’s oversized chromogenic print Michael Jackson, New York City, 1998, which is the second print from an edition of 5 (estimate: £12,000-18,000).

The fashion section showcases a stunning array of sensual images: Albert Watson’s Kate Moss, Marrakech, 1993, (estimate: £10,000 – 15,000); Terence Donovan’s Cindy Crawford for British Vogue, August 1988 (estimate: £2,500 – 3,500); a unique gelatin silver print by Peter Lindbergh Linda shot in Paris, July 1988 – with my left hand (estimate: £5,000-7,000) and Naomi Seated, Hollywood, 1991, by Herb Ritts (estimate: £4,000-6,000).