The most of us will be aware that paintings may cost tens of millions of dollars, but digital photographs are much more easily compared and compared prices can be asked for on a veiling.
Number 10
Untitled Film Still #48
Cindy Sherman in 1979.
The image was taken between 1977 and 1980 as part of a series by the artist.
In the 69 black and white photographs, Sherman appears as fictional female personas. She recreated feminine clichés from movies using makeup, wigs, and antique clothes.
In 2015, $2,965,00 was paid for photograph #48.
Number 9
Untitled (Cowboy)
Richard Prince in 2000.
The work of Prince is a photograph of a photograph. While creating his own technique, he rephotographed images.
The image in this example is from a Marlboro ad and shows the ‘Marlboro Man.’ In 2014, the artwork was purchased for $3,077,000.
Number 8
Chicago Board of Trade II
Andreas Gursky in the year 1999.
The trading floor of the Chicago Board of Trade is seen in this image. Gursky double-exposed many areas of the photograph to convey a feeling of movement.
In the field of photography, Gursky is well-known for his distinct style. He creates large, painting-like prints of pictures that depict the vastness of human existence and our modern involvement with globalization.
He scanned and processed his large-format photographs on a computer.
In 2013, a print measuring 157 x 284 cm was auctioned for $3,298,755.
Number 7
99 Cent II Diptychon
Andreas Gursky in the year 2001.
The chromogenic color print sold at Sotheby’s London in February 2007 is seen here. A supermarket with several aisles is seen in the two-part image. Gursky digitally changed the image.
What did it sell for? $3,346,456 is a huge sum.
It had to come to a close in.
It’s only 99 cents.
Number 6
Talking to the Dead Troops (A vision after an ambush of a Red Army patrol, near Moqor, Afghanistan, winter 1986)
Jell Wall in the year 1992.
Here’s the image in question, which was marketed as a lightbox transparency. Jeff Wall is known across the world for his large-format backlit Cibachrome pictures of staged scenarios based on art history. He also relates to philosophical issues of photography and artistic representation in his conceptual approach.
It portrays a war scene in a fictitious setting. The troops are resurrecting, like zombies in a horror film.
Christie’s New York auctioned this in May 2012.
It brought $3,666,500.
Number 5
To Her Majesty
Gilbert & George (Gilbert & George) – 1973
This installation was made as a Gelatin Silver print by these photographic provocateurs. The sequence of photographs depicts the duo’s drunken evenings.
In June 2008, it was auctioned at Christie’s London.
In today’s money, it made $3,765,276 ($4,971,030.33).
Number 4
Untitled #96
Cindy Sherman in 1981.
Cindy Sherman is no stranger to high-end photography. When it was auctioned in May 2011 at Christie’s New York, it brought her a nice $3,890,500.
For this piece, Sherman was inspired by the centerfolds of men’s pornographic magazines. She looks to be the polar opposite of the model depicted in those photographs. Many individuals believe her body language and facial expressions reveal her fragility.
In the photograph, Sherman depicts rape and cruelty. Instead of being enticing, the model appears to be terrified. A Chromogenic color print was used to show the image. The print was auctioned for $3,890,500, making it the world’s third most valuable image.
Number 3
Spiritual America
Richard Prince – 1981
It is one of the most controversial photos in history. It depicts the 10-year old and naked Brooke Shields. Her childish body is in great contrast with her seductive and mature facial expression.
The police banned the work from the exhibition in the Tate Modern in London.
Ektacolor print. Sold at Christie’s New York in May 2014: $3,973,000
Note: This photo shows Brooke Shields as a kid, naked. We’re not going to show it here, but if you want to view it, go to Christie’s website and click on this link.
Number 2
Rhein II
Andreas Gursky in the year 1999.
Another $4,338,500 chromogenic color print, but this time for a person. The Lower Rhine is depicted in this picture. Between verdant grass fields and a gloomy sky, the river is portrayed.
In digital editing, Gursky eliminated dog walkers and a manufacturing building.
Number One
Phantom
Peter Lik in the year 2014.
This is a black and white photograph of Arizona’s famed Antelope Canyon.
The buyer is ‘private and anonymous,’ so it can’t be verified. Its status as the world’s most expensive photograph continues to spark intense discussion.
You could believe that by selling his image for $6.5 million and ten cents, Jeff Frost beat over Australian photographer Peter Lik.
It’s nothing more than a joke, according to his selected advisors.
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