10 Most Valuable Photography Prints

In recent years, some fine art photography prints have sold for vast sums of money. Almost all of these valuable photographic prints were sold at Christie's and Sotheby's art auctions where the buyer, seller and price is revealed. One photographer appears on the top 10 list three times.

One particular outlier on this list would be Peter Lik; which some art publications have cast doubt as to the legitimacy of the sale because it was a private sale to an anonymous buyer. The news of the sale came via an artist press release. It’s not my place to judge here. I do not know these photographers personally so I’m just offering my observations based on what others including the New York Times have reported.

  1. “Le Violon d'Ingres” - Man Ray (2022) - $12.4m
  2. “The Flatiron” - Edward Steichen (2022) - $11.8m
  3. “Phantom” - Peter Lik (2014) - $6.5m
  4. “Rhein II” - Andreas Gursky (2011) - $4.4m
  5. “Spiritual America” - Richard Prince (2014) - $3.9m
  6. “Untitled #96” - Cindy Sherman (2011) - $3.9m
  7. “To Her Majesty” - Gilbert & George (1973) - $3.8m
  8. “Dead Troops Talk" - Jeff Wall (2012) - $3.7m
  9. “99 Cent II Diptychon” - Andreas Gursky (2007) - $3.3m
  10. “Chicago Board of Trade III” - Andreas Gursky (2013) - $3.3m

Sources: New York Times & Wikipedia

It's interesting to note how close in range the cost of these sales ended up at. I'm not an expert in how the exclusive art world works but I'm inclined to think that the pricing of this market is dictated by a small elite circle of institutions and buyers. The goal is not necessarily to purchase aesthetically-pleasing photography but more for bragging rights over edition sizes and one-upmanship. That side of the art world doesn't appeal to me in the slightest bit but to each his own. There is enough art in this world to suit art buyers from all walks of life. If you can afford multi-million dollar photography prints then more power to you. Another way to spend your fortune would be to buy out my entire photography archive. I might be biased but you'll get much more for your money by purchasing my work, literally. I'll even come personally meet with you and work out the terms of sale in-person. You could become the exclusive owner of my life's work for $12.5m.

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Fine art photography prints by Richard Wong. This online gallery features my photography from the past two decades. In addition to showcasing my fine art prints, fineartphotographyprints.com was created as an educational resource to answer common questions for prospective art collectors. I mainly specialize in landscape, nature and travel photography. My photography has been published worldwide and I have publishing credits in many different publications. My fine art photography prints have sold to private collectors, art consultants and business owners. Exclusive limited-edition prints and premium open-edition prints are available for purchase. Please reach out to me via phone or email if I can assist you with your art installation project.