Auction of 20th Century  Photography in Amsterdam

Haute Auctions is the new international platform for art photography. Here, collectors and enthusiasts can purchase important 20th-century and contemporary works by established names and emerging talent, under the guidance of experts. The second auction will take place on 13th April at 7.30 pm from the Portage in Amsterdam, where Haute Auctions has a temporary office.

This edition, Haute Auctions brings a wide range from vintage to contemporary photography, catering to both novice and experienced collectors. Works by leading photographers such as Viviane Sassen, Gerard Petrus Fieret, Marc Lagrange and Bernd and Hilla Becher of the Dusseldorf School will be auctioned, as well as a number of photos of their prominent students such as Thomas Ruff, Thomas Struth and Candida Höfer. In total there are 50 lots with appraisals between € 500 and €15,000.

Live auction 

Unlike the previous time, this auction will not only take place online, but also live from the beautifully restored school building Portage, at Overtoom 16, in Amsterdam. Interested parties are given the opportunity to come and see the works fully corona proof in advance. The auction itself will be led by the new addition to the team: Benthe van Veggel-Tupker, auctioneer and former head of the Post-War & Contemporary Art division of Christie’s Amsterdam. She says about the upcoming auction: “It is very nice to be part of this energetic and ambitious team, with which we are shaping this innovative platform, and to lead the live auction. This second edition is a beautiful composition of vintage photos, such as Fieret, combined with contemporary works by famous photographers such as Van Empel, Sassen, Olaf and young talents. I find the work of Pieter Laurens Mol very interesting because of its symbolism. But the studio interior of Cy Twombly is also a small gem, which gives you a wonderful insight into the life of this grandmaster who has also created his own language so beautifully in photography. ”

Viewing days 

The viewing days take place from Friday April 9 (preview by invitation) to Monday April 12 and take place according to time slots. Unique compared to other auction houses is the presentation of the works online. By means of short videos, potential buyers can learn more about the photo and the background, such as the creation of the image. The works and the complete catalog can now be viewed at www.hauteauctions.com. The viewing days and auction take place in accordance with the latest COVID-19 guidelines and the advice of the RIVM. 

About Haute Auctions 

Haute Auctions is an initiative of Roy Kahmann; art collector, gallery owner and publisher of photo books and photography magazines. In September 2020 he launched the platform together with Margitte Verwoerdt, former Post-War & Contemporary Art specialist at Bonhams. They did this out of the desire to give the photography world a new impulse. Consultant Jop Ubbens, former director of Christie’s Netherlands, has also been involved from the start and a team of experts has since been recruited to supervise the purchase and sale. Haute Auctions co-founder Margitte Verwoerdt: “In the photography market it is necessary for an auction platform to establish a connection between the primary and secondary market. Since photos often concern editions, a work may also be for sale through a gallery or artist. It is therefore in the interest of artists who are often still alive to present a market-based image. More and more online auction initiatives have emerged over the past year. We are happy to share a refreshing vision on the auction of photos. “