Christies International | Conservation And Photography
I was contacted by Christies International Auction, who asked if they could represent my Helicopter image of Central Park. Ahhhh....errrrr... aahhhh ...... let me see.....um....YES!
Christie's Green Auction World Conservation
For the first time in History, Christies Auction house is doing an auction to raise awareness of caring for our planet with all proceeds dedicated to raising funds for four environmental not-for-profits — Oceana, Natural Resources Defense Council, Conservation International, and Central Park Conservancy.
It is called the GREEN auction and will occur at Rockefeller Plaza in NY on April 22 with all the festivities. Many movie industry notables are involved in this event. They asked to represent my fine art aerial photographic piece CENTRAL PARK (40” Giclee print on watercolor paper) which happens to be right on theme for them for a number of reasons. I was honored to be invited (as only a few were selected) and I wanted to help, so I donated a large limited edition print toward this incredible cause.
Although 100% of the sale of the items go direct to the charities, I would still like for my art to have helped the most and would love to see it find a good home. I would be honored if it contributed and is appreciated. If you know of anyone who loves NY or might be interested in this exclusive image, and/or the tax deductible causes I am asking you to let them know that the bidding is open from April 8 (9am) until May 6 and can be done online at: http://www.abidtosavetheearth.org/
Central Park in NY city is one of the most iconic and famous parks in the world. Most people can locate in this image a building, street, location or landmark they have been to or have memories with. Can you? You can find the World Trade Centers months before they fell, The Empire State Building, the Chrysler building, the Guggenheim Museum, the reservoir in Central Park and the Natural History Museum. Can you find more? This photo was taken from a helicopter over NY city and has ben auctioned off at Christies international Auctions for charity. Shot on film. Fine Art Limited Edition of 100.
Christies Auction House
Founded in 1766, Christie’s Auction House has long held a central position in the art world, cultivating a reputation as one of the most prestigious auction houses globally. Based in London, it was established by James Christie, who conducted the first sale at his Pall Mall headquarters. Over the years, Christie’s has expanded its reach far beyond Britain, becoming an international hub for collectors, dealers, and art enthusiasts. While it has historically specialized in fine art, antiques, and luxury goods, its engagement with photography as a collectible art form has evolved significantly over the last century. Today, Christie’s is a major player in the photography market, responsible for handling some of the most notable sales and cementing photography's role within the broader art market.
Christie’s Entry into Photography
Although Christie’s had built its name in traditional fine art, photography was a relatively late addition to the auction house’s catalog. For much of the 19th and early 20th centuries, photography was not widely regarded as a high art form. However, as attitudes shifted and photography gained acceptance as a legitimate artistic medium, auction houses like Christie’s recognized its potential value in the fine art market.
Christie’s held its first photography sale in London in 1971. The auction marked a pivotal moment, not just for the company but for the entire art industry, signaling that photography was finally being acknowledged as an art form worthy of investment. The success of these early photography auctions encouraged Christie’s to expand its offerings, gradually incorporating works from early masters such as Ansel Adams, Alfred Stieglitz, and Edward Weston, alongside contemporary photographers like Cindy Sherman and Andreas Gursky.
Landmark Sales and Record-Setting Auctions
Christie’s has been instrumental in elevating photography’s market value, orchestrating several record-breaking sales over the years. One of the most significant was the 2011 auction of Andreas Gursky’s “Rhein II,” a large-scale photograph depicting the Rhine River in Germany. The work fetched a staggering $4.3 million, making it the most expensive photograph ever sold at auction at that time. This sale was a major milestone, demonstrating that photography could command prices on par with painting and sculpture.
Contemporary Photography Sales
Today, Christie’s often includes photography within its contemporary art sales, positioning the medium alongside works by prominent painters and sculptors. This integration reflects the art world’s acceptance of photography as a major force in contemporary visual culture. By showcasing photography in high-profile auctions, Christie’s has fostered a wider appreciation for the medium’s artistic and cultural significance.
Educational Efforts and Special Exhibitions
Christie’s has reinforced its commitment to photography by hosting exhibitions and publishing catalogs dedicated to the medium. These efforts provide an educational resource for collectors and art enthusiasts, offering insights into the history and significance of photographic works. The auction house’s exhibitions often coincide with its major photography sales, enabling potential buyers to view works in person and develop a deeper understanding of their historical and artistic contexts.
These educational initiatives highlight Christie’s role in shaping both the market and the broader understanding of photography as fine art. By showcasing photographs in the same way as more traditional art forms, Christie’s has validated photography’s cultural relevance and fostered a community of informed collectors.
Christie’s Influence on the Photography Market
From its early days as an auction house focused on fine art and luxury goods, Christie’s has evolved to become a pivotal force in the photography market. Through dedicated photography sales, high-profile auctions, and an emphasis on education, the auction house has helped elevate photography to its current status as a prized art form. By presenting photography within its contemporary sales and achieving record-breaking prices, Christie’s has cemented photography’s position within the global art market.
Christies offered to broker for me any additional purchases for those who did not win the auction. If you are not interested in the auction process, or Christies, but are in the art (or services), let me know. I am also available to shoot commissioned pieces (for homes, properties, etc.) in a similar style to create custom art so please let me know if I can help you in any way. Thank you for taking your time to read this and I look forward to seeing you soon.
Be well!
Sincerely, Michael