James VanderZee Paintings & Artwork for Sale | James VanderZee Art Value Price Guide

Sep. 22, 2024
JAMES VAN DER ZEE - New York City 1930
Est: $900 - $1,200
JAMES VAN DER ZEE (American, 1886-1983) "New York City 1930" 1930/1978 - Limited edition gelatin silver print, 6/75. Signed in ink lower right, editioned lower left. Unframed, professionally matted by Witkin Gallery with no tape in contact with the print. 5 X 6.75 inches (image), 11 x 14 inches (sheet), 16 x 20 inches (mat). Excellent condition. From the portfolio Ten Photographers, compiled in 1978 by and for the Women's Campaign Fund in a limited edition of 75. Portfolio 41/75 is held by the Library of Congress (Washington), another is held by The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.
Saskatchewan Network for Art Collecting
Sep. 14, 2024
James Van Der Zee, 1886-1983, Woman Seated by a Piano
Est: $2,000 - $3,000
James Van Der Zee 1886-1983 Woman Seated by a Piano 1947 gelatin silver print 9-7/8 x 8 inches (sheet) signed and dated in image (in the negative) label verso from Christie's NY, Oct 1, 2016, Lot 194 for more information about James Van Der Zee, see our book: http://blackartauction.squarespace.com/james-vanderzee
Black Art Auction
Feb. 27, 2024
[WORLD WAR I]. Photograph of the Harlem Hellfighters, African American troops. New York: Guarantee Photo Studio, operated by noted Harlem photographer James VANDERZEE (1886-1983), ca 1919.
Est: $400 - $600
[WORLD WAR I]. Photograph of the Harlem Hellfighters, African American troops. New York: Guarantee Photo Studio, operated by noted Harlem photographer James VANDERZEE (1886-1983), ca 1919. 9 x 7 in. (including margins) unmounted silver gelatin photograph, likely a period copy (some soiling throughout, adhesive residue to lower margin, light wear to edges and corners). Lower right corner of image embossed "Guarantee Photo Studio 109 West 135th St. N.Y." Verso with additional Guarantee Photo Studio stamps and pencil inscription reading, "Studio of James VanDerZee." Featured in the image are African American soldiers, most likely of the 369th Infantry Regiment, known as the "Harlem Hellfighters." An all-Black regiment, the 369th fought heroically on the front lines in France during World War I and received an enthusiastic welcome from civilians at the victory parade held in 1919 upon their return home. African American photographer James VanDerZee was one of a few photographers who photographed the parade. The image featured here appears to have been taken in a rural setting. Research indicates that this may have been taken in 1918 when the Harlem Hellfighters were training in France. They were documented by the International Film Service at that time, and the original image may have been produced then. A rare, possibly undocumented image. This lot is located in Cincinnati.
Hindman
Feb. 27, 2024
[EARLY PHOTOGRAPHY]. Church Group, 1938. New York, NY: G.G.G. Photo Studio, operated by noted Harlem photographer James VANDERZEE (1886-1983).
Est: $500 - $700
[EARLY PHOTOGRAPHY]. Church Group, 1938. New York, NY: G.G.G. Photo Studio, operated by noted Harlem photographer James VANDERZEE (1886-1983). 8 x 10 in. (including margins) unmounted silver gelatin photograph (wear to edges and corners, including creasing to each corner). Signed and dated in negative at lower right corner, "VanDerZee, 1938." Verso with 3 "G.G.G. Photo Studio, 2077-7th Ave., N.Y.C." ink stamps, and penciled number "5223." James VanDerZee was best known for his photographs of African American New Yorkers. He began his career as a darkroom assistant in 1915, but opened his own studio in Harlem the following year. Throughout World War I, his business blossomed, and following the war, he produced hundreds of portraits of Harlem's expanding middle class population. Some of VanDerZee's more famous subjects include Bill "Bojangles" Robinson, Joe Louis, Florence Mills, Countee Cullen, and Marcus Garvey. This lot is located in Cincinnati.
Hindman
Feb. 27, 2024
[EARLY PHOTOGRAPHY]. Ebony Boys. New York, NY: G.G.G. Photo Studio, 1933, operated by noted Harlem photographer James VANDERZEE (1886-1983).
Est: $300 - $400
[EARLY PHOTOGRAPHY]. Ebony Boys. New York, NY: G.G.G. Photo Studio, 1933, operated by noted Harlem photographer James VANDERZEE (1886-1983). 7 x 9 in. silver gelatin photograph (light toning, few minor spots, some edge wear). Signed and dated in negative at lower right corner, "1933, VanDerZee, N.Y.C." Verso with "G.G.G. Photo Studio, 2077-7th Ave., N.Y.C." ink stamp. Inscribed lower right in ink, "To Mrs. Ross From 3 Ebony Boys." James VanDerZee was best known for his photographs of African American New Yorkers. He began his career as a darkroom assistant in 1915, but opened his own studio in Harlem the following year. Throughout World War I, his business blossomed, and following the war, he produced hundreds of portraits of Harlem's expanding middle class population. Some of VanDerZee's more famous subjects include Bill "Bojangles" Robinson, Joe Louis, Florence Mills, Countee Cullen, and Marcus Garvey. This lot is located in Cincinnati.
Hindman
Jan. 25, 2024
JAMES VAN DER ZEE, FATHER DIVINE PHOTO
Est: $200 - $400
James Vander Zee, Father Divine Photo. Silver gelatin print. Provenance: Private Philadelphia Estate. Frame: 16" x 14" Scene: 9.25" x 7.25"
Ashcroft and Moore
Jan. 04, 2024
JAMES VAN DER ZEE, FATHER DIVINE PHOTO
Est: $200 - $400
James Vander Zee, Father Divine Photo. Silver gelatin print. Provenance: Private Philadelphia Estate. Frame: 16" x 14" Scene: 9.25" x 7.25"
Ashcroft and Moore
Dec. 12, 2023
James Van Der Zee. Undeclared War
Est: $600 - $1,200
VAN DER ZEE, JAMES (1886–1983) Undeclared War, 1927, printed 1982. Gelatin silver print on Brovira, image 9 7/8 x 7 13/16 inches (252 x 200 mm) on larger sheet, signed in the negative, with the estate blindstamp on the face of the print (l.r.), verso signed by both James and Donna Van Der Zee, numbered 20 from the edition of 75, and extensively annotated in pencil, with the Van Der Zee certificate attached to the rear of the frame. No defects noted in raking light. Framed. Norma Stevens represented Richard Avedon for thirty years, and her husband Martin (d. 2016) was an art and creative director for Revlon and other agencies.
DOYLE Auctioneers & Appraisers
Dec. 12, 2023
James Van der Zee. Identical Twins
Est: $500 - $1,000
VAN DER ZEE, JAMES (1886–1983) Identical Twins, 1924, printed 1980s. Gelatin silver print on Brovira, image 7 5/8 x 10 1/16 inches (194 x 256 mm) on larger sheet, signed in the negative only, with the estate blindstamp on the face of the print (l.r.), verso signed in pencil by Donna Van Der Zee, numbered 14 from the edition of 250 and extensively annotated in pencil. No defects noted in raking light. Framed. Norma Stevens represented Richard Avedon for thirty years, and her husband Martin (d. 2016) was an art and creative director for Revlon and other agencies.
DOYLE Auctioneers & Appraisers
Dec. 01, 2023
James Van Der Zee, James Van Der Zee Photography exhibition poster
Est: $200 - $400
James Van Der Zee James Van Der Zee Photography exhibition poster 1923 / printed c. 1970 offset lithograph image: 14.125 h x 11.125 w in (36 x 28 cm) sheet: 24.375 h x 17.625 w in (62 x 45 cm) Signed to below image 'James Van Der Zee'. This work was published for the exhibition James Van Derzee: Photography held at G. Ray Hawkins Gallery, Beverly Hills. Provenance: Collection of Susan and G. Ray Hawkins, Beverly Hills This work will ship from Los Angeles, California.
Los Angeles Modern Auctions
Nov. 14, 2023
JAMES VAN DER ZEE, FATHER DIVINE PHOTO
Est: $200 - $400
James Vander Zee, Father Divine Photo. Silver gelatin print. Provenance: Private Philadelphia Estate. Frame: 16" x 14" Scene: 9.25" x 7.25"
Ashcroft and Moore
Nov. 14, 2023
JAMES VAN DER ZEE PHOTO, GREENER PASTURES
Est: $800 - $1,000
James Van Der Zee Photo, Greener Pastures. Provenance: Private Philadelphia Estate. Frame: 14.25" x 17.25" Scene: 7.75" x 9.5"
Ashcroft and Moore
Oct. 05, 2023
JAMES VAN DER ZEE (1886-1983) Wedding studio portrait.
Est: $2,500 - $3,500
JAMES VAN DER ZEE (1886-1983) Wedding studio portrait. Silver print, the image measuring 10x8 inches (25.4x20.3 cm.), with Van Der Zee's signature and date in the negative and numeric notations in pencil on verso. 1923 James Van Der Zee is one of the best known photographers of the Harlem Renaissance. His studio documented daily life of the Black residents of the neighborhood as well as their important occasions, including marriage, communion, military service, and death. In these portraits his sitters are radiant and optimistic, conveying their aspirations and spirit, as well as their comfort in the photographer's presence. Van Der Zee's body of work also included documenting parades, events, and nightlife, creating an extraordinary body of work that together offers a chronicle of the individual lives lived of Harlem. Overwhelmingly optimistic and artful, the portraits provide a glimpse into the religious, social, and political fabric of the influential center of culture.
Swann Auction Galleries
Jun. 21, 2023
VAN DER ZEE, JAMES (1886-1983) Identical Twins, 1924, printed 1980s.
Est: $1,000 - $1,500
VAN DER ZEE, JAMES (1886-1983) Identical Twins, 1924, printed 1980s. Gelatin silver print on Brovira, image 7 5/8 x 10 1/16 inches (194 x 256 mm) on larger sheet, signed in the negative only, with the estate blindstamp on the face of the print (l.r.), verso signed in pencil by Donna Van Der Zee, numbered 14 from the edition of 250 and extensively annotated in pencil. No defects noted in raking light. Framed. Norma Stevens represented Richard Avedon for thirty years, and her husband Martin (d. 2016) was an art and creative director for Revlon and other agencies. C Collection of Norma and Martin Stevens
DOYLE Auctioneers & Appraisers
Jun. 21, 2023
VAN DER ZEE, JAMES (1886-1983) Undeclared War, 1927, printed 1982.
Est: $1,200 - $1,800
VAN DER ZEE, JAMES (1886-1983) Undeclared War, 1927, printed 1982. Gelatin silver print on Brovira, image 9 7/8 x 7 13/16 inches (252 x 200 mm) on larger sheet, signed in the negative, with the estate blindstamp on the face of the print (l.r.), verso signed by both James and Donna Van Der Zee, numbered 20 from the edition of 75, and extensively annotated in pencil, with the Van Der Zee certificate attached to the rear of the frame. No defects noted in raking light. Framed. Norma Stevens represented Richard Avedon for thirty years, and her husband Martin (d. 2016) was an art and creative director for Revlon and other agencies. C Collection of Norma and Martin Stevens
DOYLE Auctioneers & Appraisers
May. 02, 2023
James Van Der Zee (1886-1983) "James Van Der Zee: Eighteen Photographs, 1905-1939"; and selected studio portraits
Est: $25,000 - $35,000
James Van Der Zee (1886-1983) "James Van Der Zee: Eighteen Photographs, 1905-1939"; and selected studio portraits Washington, D.C., Graphics International: 18 gelatin silver prints, printed 1974 by Richard Benson, each signed, consecutively numbered 'I- XVIII' and '13/75' in pencil on the mount; text inserts and portfolio case; accompanied by three gelatin silver studio portraits, 1928-1929, two signed, inscribed 'N.Y.C' and dated in the negative; two stamped 'Gaynella Greenlee Guarantee Photo Studio' on the verso. image: varying sizes - largest 9 1/2 x 7 1/2in. (24.2 x 19cm.) mount: each 15 x 12 1/2in. (18.1 x 31.7cm.) accompanying portraits, sheet: each 10 x 8in. (25.4 x 20.3cm.)
Hindman
Apr. 06, 2023
JAMES VANDERZEE (1886 - 1983) Untitled (Woman in Native American Dress).
Est: $3,000 - $5,000
JAMES VANDERZEE (1886 - 1983) Untitled (Woman in Native American Dress). Silver print, 1924. 254x203mm; 10x8 inches. Signed and dated in pencil, verso. This scarce James VanDerZee photograph shows a woman posing in Indigenous American dress for a studio portrait.
Swann Auction Galleries
Apr. 06, 2023
JAMES VANDERZEE (1886 - 1983) Mrs. Turner, Lenox, Mass.
Est: $1,000 - $1,500
JAMES VANDERZEE (1886 - 1983) Mrs. Turner, Lenox, Mass. Silver print, 1905. 178x140 mm; 7x5 1/2 inches. Signed and numbered "I" and 70/75 in pencil on the mount. Printed and published by Richard Berson and Graphics International Ltd., Washington, DC in 1974. From Eighteen Photographs.
Swann Auction Galleries
Nov. 19, 2022
James VanDerZee, 1886-1983, Harlem
Est: $3,000 - $5,000
James VanDerZee 1886-1983 Harlem c. 1920 gelatin silverprint 8-1/2 x 6 inches bears signature and title in pencil verso: James Vanderzee, Harlem. Without a doubt, the work is by Vanderzee, but it is unknown if that writing is in the artist's hand. Provenance: The Melvin Holmes Collection of African American Art Illustrated: The Melvin Holmes Collection of African American Art, Thom Pegg, p. 129. http://blackartauction.squarespace.com/publications#/the-melvin-holmes-collection-of-african-american-art-1/ Exhibited: Kent State University Museum: "TEXTURES: The History and Art of Black Hair" Exhibition dates: Oct. 1, 2020 – Aug. 29, 2021.
Black Art Auction
Nov. 19, 2022
James VanDerZee, 1886-1983, Nude (Harlem)
Est: $4,000 - $6,000
James VanDerZee 1886-1983 Nude (Harlem) 1923/1986 silver print 9 1/2 x 7 1/2 inches posthumous printing by the estate (blind stamp) certified by Donna VanDerZee in pencil verso (typical) and numbered, 75/250.
Black Art Auction
Oct. 06, 2022
JAMES VANDERZEE (1886 - 1983) Couple in Raccoon Coats, 1932 (Couple, Harlem).
Est: $2,000 - $3,000
JAMES VANDERZEE (1886 - 1983) Couple in Raccoon Coats, 1932 (Couple, Harlem). Silver print, 1932. 95x119 mm; 3 3/4x4 5/8 inches. Initialed, titled and dated '81 in pencil on the mount. Printed in 1981. . This photograph of a Harlem couple dressed in fur with their Cadillac on West 127th Street is VanDerZee's most iconic image.
Swann Auction Galleries
Oct. 06, 2022
JAMES VANDERZEE (1886 - 1983) Untitled (Portrait of a Boy in a Sailor Suit).
Est: $2,000 - $3,000
JAMES VANDERZEE (1886 - 1983) Untitled (Portrait of a Boy in a Sailor Suit). Silver print, 1927. 177x127 mm; 7x5 inches. Signed, titled, dated and inscribed "Copyright 1969 by James VanDerZee All Rights Reserved, Vintage Print, Certified Donna VanDerZee" in pencil with James VanDerZee's "G.G.G. Photo Studio, Inc., 109 West 135th St." ink stamp, verso.
Swann Auction Galleries
Oct. 06, 2022
JAMES VANDERZEE (1886 - 1983) Native American Couple.
Est: $3,000 - $5,000
JAMES VANDERZEE (1886 - 1983) Native American Couple. Silver print, 1907. 120x88 mm; 4 3/4x3 1/2 inches. Signed and dated in pencil, verso. This scarce and early Vanderzee photograph shows a male and female duo dressed in Indigenous American regalia. Another example of this photograph is in the collection of the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts.
Swann Auction Galleries
Oct. 06, 2022
JAMES VANDERZEE (1886 - 1983) Mrs. Turner, Lenox, Mass.
Est: $2,000 - $3,000
JAMES VANDERZEE (1886 - 1983) Mrs. Turner, Lenox, Mass. Silver print, 1905. 178x140 mm; 7x5 1/2 inches. Signed and numbered I and 70/75 in pencil on the mount. Printed and published by Richard Berson and Graphics International Ltd., Washington, DC in 1974. From Eighteen Photographs.
Swann Auction Galleries
Apr. 14, 2022
JAMES VAN DER ZEE (1885-1983) Teddy Hall (Raining Musical Instruments).
Est: $2,000 - $3,000
JAMES VAN DER ZEE (1885-1983) Teddy Hall (Raining Musical Instruments). Silver print, the image measuring 9 1/2x7 1/2 inches (24x19 cm.), the sheet slightly larger, with inventory notations in pencil and three GGG Photo Studio stamps on verso. 1933
Swann Auction Galleries
Mar. 31, 2022
JAMES VANDERZEE (1886 -1983) GGG Photo Studio.
Est: $3,000 - $5,000
JAMES VANDERZEE (1886 -1983) GGG Photo Studio. Silver print, circa early 1940s. 219x140 mm; 8 1/2x5 1/2 inches. Printed in the 1940s, with the artist's GGG Photo Studio ink stamp, verso. This scarce photograph shows the artist's studio on the ground and first floors at 272 Lenox Avenue in Harlem.
Swann Auction Galleries
Mar. 31, 2022
JAMES VANDERZEE (1886 - 1983) The Heiress, Harlem.
Est: $2,000 - $3,000
JAMES VANDERZEE (1886 - 1983) The Heiress, Harlem. Silver print, 1938. 191x241 mm; 7 1/2x9 1/2 inches. Signed and numbered XVII and 70/75 in pencil on the mount. Printed and published by Richard Berson and Graphics International Ltd., Washington, DC in 1974. From Eighteen Photographs.
Swann Auction Galleries
Mar. 31, 2022
JAMES VANDERZEE (1886 - 1983) Portrait of Two Brothers and Their Sister.
Est: $2,000 - $3,000
JAMES VANDERZEE (1886 - 1983) Portrait of Two Brothers and Their Sister. Silver print, 1931. 191x241 mm; 7 1/2x9 1/2 inches. Signed and numbered XV and 70/75 in pencil on the mount. Printed and published by Richard Berson and Graphics International Ltd., Washington, DC in 1974. From Eighteen Photographs.
Swann Auction Galleries
Mar. 12, 2022
James VanDerZee, 1886-1983, Nude (Harlem)
Est: $4,000 - $6,000
James VanDerZee 1886-1983 Nude (Harlem) 1923/1986 silver print 9 1/2 x 7 1/2 posthumous printing by the estate (blind stamp) notated by Donna VanDerZee in pencil verso and numbered, 72/250
Black Art Auction
Feb. 23, 2022
VANDERZEE, James (1886-1983), photographer, after. Rotogravure of African American escape artist. After 1924.
Est: $250 - $350
VANDERZEE, James (1886-1983), photographer, after. Rotogravure of African American escape artist. After 1924. 8 x 12 in. (without margins) rotogravure. Later printing of a photograph originally taken by James VanDerZee (some toning, spots of discoloration, minor wear to edges and corners). Original signed and dated in the negative, "VanDerZee / NYC / 1924."
Hindman
Feb. 10, 2022
JAMES VAN DER ZEE (1886-1983) Couple, Harlem (Couple in Raccoon Coats), from the portfolio Eighteen Photographs.
Est: $4,000 - $6,000
JAMES VAN DER ZEE (1886-1983) Couple, Harlem (Couple in Raccoon Coats), from the portfolio Eighteen Photographs. Silver print, the image measuring 7 3/8x9 3/8 inches (18.7x23.8 cm.), the mount 12 1/4x15 inches (31.1x38.1 cm.), with Van der Zee's signature, plate number XVI, and edition notation 61/75, in pencil, on mount recto. 1932; printed 1974
Swann Auction Galleries
Nov. 20, 2021
VAN DER ZEE, JAMES (1886-1983). ESCAPE ARTIST. NEW YORK, 19...
Est: $100 - $200
VAN DER ZEE, James (1886-1983). Escape Artist. New York, 1924/later printing. Modern photogravure depicting an African American escape artist shackled from head to foot. Sheet 16 x 12 ½”; image area 12 x 8”.
Potter & Potter Auctions Inc.
Oct. 07, 2021
JAMES VANDERZEE (1886 - 1983) Eighteen Photographs.
Est: $40,000 - $60,000
JAMES VANDERZEE (1886 - 1983) Eighteen Photographs. Portfolio of 18 mounted silver and sepia-toned silver prints, 1905-1938. Each approximately 184x241 mm; 7 1/4x9 1/2 inches, loose as issued. Edition of 75 numbered copies. Each signed and numbered I-XVIII and 75/75 in pencil on the mount, recto. Printed by Richard Benson, New York. Published by Graphics International Ltd., Washington, DC in 1974. Folio-size gray cloth slipcase. Provenance: Howard Greenberg Gallery, New York, private collection, New York. Titles include: Couple, Harlem, 1932 * Nude, Harlem, 1923 * Mrs. Turner, Lenox, Mass., 1905 * Whittier Preparatory School, Phoebus, Va., 1907 * The VanDerZee Men, Lenox, Mass., 1908 * Kate and Rachel VanDerZee, Lenox, Mass., 1907 * Miss Suzie Porter, Harlem, 1915 * Marcus Garvey and Militia, Harlem, 1924 * Garveyite Family, Harlem, 1924 * Dancer, Harlem, 1924 * Portrait of an Actor, Harlem, 1929 * Swimming Team, Harlem, 1925 * Wedding Day, Harlem, 1926 * Black Jews, Harlem, 1929 * Atlantic City, 1930 * Portrait of Two Brothers and Their Sister, 1931 * The Heiress, Harlem, 1938 * Daddy Grace, Harlem, 1938. A handsome portfolio, published by Harry Lunn, Jr., with iconic images from VanDerZee's photographic career. It includes various subjects of the Harlem Renaissance, as well as studies of Marcus Garvey, Daddy Grace, and formal family portraits.
Swann Auction Galleries
Oct. 07, 2021
JAMES VANDERZEE (1886 - 1983) Untitled (Portrait of a Boy in a Sailor Suit).
Est: $3,000 - $5,000
JAMES VANDERZEE (1886 - 1983) Untitled (Portrait of a Boy in a Sailor Suit). Silver print, 1927. 171x127 mm; 6 3/4x5 inches. Signed and dated in pencil with Vanderzee's "G.G.G. Photo Studio, Inc., 109 West 135th St." ink stamp, verso. Provenance: Howard Greenberg/Photofind, New York, with the gallery label on the mat; private collection, New York.
Swann Auction Galleries
Oct. 07, 2021
JAMES VANDERZEE (1886 -1983) Shoe Store Salesman and Customer.
Est: $3,000 - $5,000
JAMES VANDERZEE (1886 -1983) Shoe Store Salesman and Customer. Silver print, circa 1925. 240x190 mm; 9 1/2x7 1/2 inches. Printed in the 1920-30s. Provenance: acquired directly from the artist; private collection, New York; private collection, New York, acquired from Swann Galleries, Feburary 17, 2009.
Swann Auction Galleries
Oct. 07, 2021
JAMES VANDERZEE (1886 - 1983) Untitled (Woman in Fur Holding Cat).
Est: $3,000 - $5,000
JAMES VANDERZEE (1886 - 1983) Untitled (Woman in Fur Holding Cat). Silver print, 1935. 171x127 mm; 9 3/8x7 5/8 inches. Provenance: Howard Greenberg/Photofind, New York, with the gallery label on the mat; private collection, New York.
Swann Auction Galleries
Oct. 07, 2021
JAMES VANDERZEE (1886 - 1983) Wedding Day, Harlem.
Est: $2,000 - $3,000
JAMES VANDERZEE (1886 - 1983) Wedding Day, Harlem. Silver print, 1926. 236x178 mm; 9 3/8x7 inches. Signed and numbered XII and 70/75 in pencil on the mount. Printed and published by Richard Berson and Graphics International Ltd., Washington, DC in 1974. From Eighteen Photographs.
Swann Auction Galleries
Oct. 07, 2021
JAMES VANDERZEE (1886 - 1983) Swimming Team.
Est: $1,500 - $2,500
JAMES VANDERZEE (1886 - 1983) Swimming Team. Silver print, 1925. 64x236 mm; 2 1/2x9 3/8 inches. Signed and numbered XI and 70/75 in pencil on the mount. Printed and published by Richard Berson and Graphics International Ltd., Washington, DC in 1974. From Eighteen Photographs.
Swann Auction Galleries
Sep. 25, 2021
JAMES VAN DER ZEE (American 1886-1983) TWO PHOTOGRAPHS, "Escape Artist," NEW YORK, 1924,
Est: $400 - $600
JAMES VAN DER ZEE (American 1886-1983) TWO PHOTOGRAPHS, "Escape Artist," NEW YORK, 1924, photogravure on paper, signed, placed and dated in plate, "VANDERZEE NYC 1924," sheet: 12" x 8", plate: 16 1/2" x 12". Note: An excerpt from accession number 883.1990 featured in Your Mirror: Portraits from the ICP Collection elaborates for the reader on the present photograph, "This studio portrait shows a man dressed in modern attire, but clad in shackles from neck to feet. The man is most likely a magician or escape artist like Harry Houdini or Black Herman, both popular performers when this photograph was taken. But the sight of a black man in chains standing in the splendor of African American photographer James Van Der Zee’s studio creates an image that is more complicated than a standard promotional photo. VanDerZee was one of the most successful photographers in Harlem, in part because he shared the racial pride of his sitters, and always strove to create elegant, yet idealized portraits. He documented everything and everyone in the neighborhood, from the emerging black middle class to celebrities of the Harlem Renaissance, from community gatherings and weddings to funerals.," a gift of Daniel Cowin. (With special thanks to the ICP Museum and curatorial author) Provenance: Estate of Ross Gibson Wandrey, Houston, Texas
Simpson Galleries, LLC
Jul. 17, 2021
James VanDerZee, 1886-1983, Harlem
Est: $2,800 - $3,200
James VanDerZee 1886-1983 Harlem ***This work is currently on loan for the exhibition: TEXTURES: The history and art of Black hair. September 10, 2021 through August 7, 2022 at the Kent State University Museum, Kent, Ohio. If you choose to purchase this lot, transfer of title will be made to you immediately and the artwork will be sent to you upon the conclusion of the exhibit. Please contact us for more information. c. 1920 silver gelatin print 8.5 x 6 inches
Black Art Auction
Apr. 22, 2021
JAMES VANDERZEE (1886 - 1983) Untitled (Interior of a Harlem Brownstone).
Est: $1,500 - $2,500
JAMES VANDERZEE (1886 - 1983) Untitled (Interior of a Harlem Brownstone). Silver print, 1931. 203x254 mm; 8x10 inches. Signed and inscribed "NYC 1931" by VanDerZee in the negative. This early photograph of fine decor in a Harlem parlor shows how VanDerZee documented the homes, in addition to portraits, of the rising middle class in Harlem in the early 1930s. An almost identical photograph of the same interior, Interior of a Home, from a slightly different angle, is in the collection of the Studio Museum in Harlem.
Swann Auction Galleries
Apr. 22, 2021
JAMES VANDERZEE (1886 - 1983) Nude, Harlem.
Est: $3,000 - $5,000
JAMES VANDERZEE (1886 - 1983) Nude, Harlem. Silver print, 1923. 241x191 mm; 9 1/2x7 1/2 inches. Numbered 82/250 in pencil, on the verso. Posthumous printing, with the estate's blind stamp, lower right.
Swann Auction Galleries
Apr. 22, 2021
JAMES VANDERZEE (1886 - 1983) Marcus Garvey and Garvey Militia, Harlem.
Est: $2,000 - $3,000
JAMES VANDERZEE (1886 - 1983) Marcus Garvey and Garvey Militia, Harlem. Silver print 1924. 247x196 mm; 9 3/4x7 3/4 inches. Signed, numbered VII and 70/75 in pencil on the mount. From Eighteen Photographs.
Swann Auction Galleries
Apr. 22, 2021
JAMES VANDERZEE (1886 - 1983) The VanDerZee Men, Lenox, Mass.
Est: $3,000 - $5,000
JAMES VANDERZEE (1886 - 1983) The VanDerZee Men, Lenox, Mass. Silver print, 1908. 160x127 mm; 6 3/8x5 inches. Signed and numbered III and 70/75 in pencil on the mount. Printed and published by Richard Berson and Graphics International Ltd., Washington, DC in 1974. From Eighteen Photographs.
Swann Auction Galleries
Apr. 22, 2021
JAMES VANDERZEE (1886 - 1983) Mrs. Turner, Lenox, Mass.
Est: $2,000 - $3,000
JAMES VANDERZEE (1886 - 1983) Mrs. Turner, Lenox, Mass. Silver print, 1905. 178x140 mm; 7x5 1/2 inches. Signed and numbered I and 70/75 in pencil on the mount. Printed and published by Richard Berson and Graphics International Ltd., Washington, DC in 1974. From Eighteen Photographs.
Swann Auction Galleries
Mar. 23, 2021
James Van Der Zee, Teddy Hall (Raining Musical Instruments)
Est: $800 - $1,000
James Van Der Zee Teddy Hall (Raining Musical Instruments) 1933 gelatin silver print 10 h × 8 w in (25 × 20 cm) Signed and dated to plate 'Van Der Zee NYC 1933'. Stamped to verso 'GGG Photo Studio 272 Lenox Ave. New York 27 N.Y'. condition: Print is mounted with archival linen adhesive to each corner verso. Corners exhibit compression with small points of subsequent loss to emulsion layer. Edges and corners also show stable crazing to emulsion layer commensurate with age. Image is free of any surface wear or discoloration to note, with condition issues mostly relegated along margins. Unframed and mounted to matting measuring 17 x 14 inches.
Rago Arts and Auction Center
Feb. 06, 2021
James VanDerZee, 1886-1983, Atlantic City
Est: $2,500 - $3,500
James VanDerZee 1886-1983 Atlantic City 1930 (printed in 1974) gelatin silver print 6-1/2 x 3-7/8 inches (image) 15 x 12-1/2 inches (mount) signed and numbered XIV and 25/75 printed and published by Richard Benson and Graphics International Ltd., Washington, DC in 1974. from "Eighteen Photographs"
Black Art Auction
Jan. 24, 2021
James Van Der Zee (1886-1983) Amer, Photograph
Est: $200 - $400
Titled "In Style, 1932" 1932. This glamorous photograph was made in the Harlem studio of the artist. James Van Der Zee made his first photographs as a boy in Lenox, Mass. In 1915 Van Der Zee moved to Newark, N.J., where he took a job in a portrait studio, first as a darkroom assistant and then as a portraitist. He moved to Harlem the following year, setting up the Guarantee Photo Studio. Best known for his portraits of black New Yorkers, Van Der Zee was a leading figure in the Harlem Renaissance. Aside from the artistic merits of his work, Van Der Zee produced the most comprehensive documentation of the period. Overall size: 11 1/4 x 9 1/4 in. SIze: 6 1/2 x 4 3/4 in. Please note that all sales are final. No refunds will be given under any circumstances.
Sarasota Estate Auction