photo: © Ruud van Empel - From the series World
From the then controversial photo series Mature by the recently deceased Erwin Olaf (1959 - 2023) and work from the series World with which Ruud van Empel made his international breakthrough, to intimate images by leading photographer Sanne Sannes (1937 - 1967). On December 11 and 12, various works by renowned Dutch photographers will go under the hammer at the Amsterdam auction house Adams. The auction offer includes iconic pieces by Ruud van Empel, Sanne Sannes, Erwin Olaf and Hendrik Kerstens.
The new auction from Adams auction house offers photography enthusiasts and collectors an unparalleled opportunity to obtain photos from the most respected Dutch photographers.
Including several works by Erwin Olaf (1959 - 2023). Like the photo series Mature, which consists of ten portraits of older women - between sixty-one and eighty-nine years old - photographed as pin-ups. A series with which Olaf explored growing older and with which he wanted to show that there is more than being beautiful, young and slim.
In Mature Olaf also uses computer techniques for the first time. To emphasize his age, he added age spots and enhanced wrinkles.
From internationally recognized photographer Hendrik Kerstens (1956), three pieces are offered. It concerns the characteristic penetrating portraits of his daughter Paula. This includes one of the most famous picturesque images of Paula wearing a linen napkin on her head.
Less known to the general public but loved by collectors is the work of Sanne Sannes (1937-1967). Sannes is considered one of the most important Dutch photographers of the 20th century and produced a rich and innovative oeuvre from 1957 until his untimely death in 1967.
Two photographs from the series Embrace, taken between 1959 – 1967, are going under the hammer. These photos contain everything Sannes is praised for: a powerful intimacy captured as in a film snapshot, executed with great light-dark contrasts and high grain.
From world famous photographer Ruud van Empel (1958), one of the works from the series is being auctioned World. The series brought him his international breakthrough and caused prices for his work to increase tenfold. In World Van Empel investigates the phenomenon of xenophobia, the fear of strangers.
The works in the series can be seen as responses to racism, homophobia, gender issues and other themes. With the series he does not take an activist position, but shows an integral worldview in which everyone is equal, no matter how people differ from each other.
The photos will go under the hammer on December 11 and 12 as part of Adams' Art, Jewelry, Bags and Wine auction.
Adams Amsterdam Auction
VIEWING DAYS:
December 9 and 10, 10.00-17.00
AUCTION:
December 11, Art Part I, 19.30 (live and online)
December 12, Art Part II, 13.00 (online), Jewelry, Bags, Wine, 19.30 (online)
Location viewing days + auction: Lange Leidsedwarsstraat 198-200, Amsterdam
www.adamsamsterdam.com & Catalog
