Top 10 Most Expensive Photos Sold at Auction
Can you guess the most expensive photos ever sold at auction? While us photographers know it can be an expensive hobby this list features photos shot with humble equipment, by today's standards. Despite limitations some photographers take things to a whole new level setting world records selling their works.
The list of most expensive photos is based on official auction house prices and doesn't reflect private sales. Just remember while most of us fork out thousands for our equipment the photos in this list were mostly shot on older camera gear without the features we all enjoy.
No. 10 - Edward Steichen, The Pond – Moonlight 1904
Price: $2,928,000 Date: Sotheby’s New York in February 2006 Type: Gum Bichromate print over Platinum
No. 9 - Cindy Sherman, Untitled Film Still 48
Price: $2,965,000 Date: Christie’s New York in May 2015 Type: Chromogenic color print
No. 8 - Richard Prince, Untitled (cowboy)
Price: $3,077,000 Date: Sotheby’s New York May 2014 Type: Ektacolour Print
No. 7 - Andreas Gursky, Chicago Board of Trade 1997
Price: $3,298,755 Date: Sotheby’s London in June 2013 Type: Chromogenic color print
No. 6 - Andreas Gursky, 99 Cent II Diptychon 2001
Price: $3,346,456 Date: Sotheby’s London in February 2007 Type: Chromogenic color print
No. 5 - Jeff Wall, Dead Troops Talk 1992
Price: $3,666,500 Date: Christie’s New York in May 2012 Type: Transparency in Lightbox
No. 4 - Gilbert & George, To Her Majesty 1973
Price: $3,765,276 Date: Christie’s London in June 2008 Type: Gelatin Silver print
No. 3 - Cindy Sherman, Untitled 96 1981
Price: $3,890,500 Date: Christie’s New York in May 2011 Type: Chromogenic color print
No. 2 - Richard Prince, Spiritual America 1981
(No photo due to child nudity)
Price: $3,973,000 Date: Christie’s New York in May 2014 Type: Ektacolor print
No. 1 - Andreas Gursky, Rhein II 1999
Price: $4,338,500 Date: Christie’s New York in November 2011 Type: Chromogenic color print
And there you have it, did they live up to your expectations? Are any of them your taste? More importantly will you create work that will stand tall in this list of most expensive photos? Always remember, it's not about the money, but it doesn't hurt either.
Note - Needless to say copyright belongs to the relevant parties. Images displayed are purely for educational purposes.
