Phillips to Host Landmark Auction Showcasing Irving Penn's Unique Artistic Legacy
This fall, Phillips will stage a remarkable auction entitled "Visual Language: The Art of Irving Penn," presented in collaboration with The Irving Penn Foundation. This landmark event will feature an impressive selection of works spanning the professional lifetime of one of the 20th century's most pivotal photographers. With approximately 70 works on the auction block, including rare photographs and paintings, this sale represents the first time the foundation has offered Penn's art to the public through an auction format.
Scheduled for October 8, 2025, the auction is set to precede Phillips' seasonal Photographs sale, which will occur the following day, October 9. The significance of this auction cannot be overstated; it provides an unprecedented opportunity for collectors and art enthusiasts to acquire pieces that have been curated from the Irving Penn Foundation's archives—many of which have never before been available on the auction market.
Irving Penn's artistic journey is characterized by a dedication to excellence and a mastery of various mediums and techniques. His work embodies a rich tapestry of styles and subjects, ranging from striking fashion photography that has defined the industry for decades to profound portraits and innovative still lifes. Known for his quiet intensity and technical prowess, Penn's images are not only visually arresting but also steeped in narrative depth. Each piece set to be sold reflects his meticulous approach and innovative spirit that propelled him to the forefront of modern photography.
Tom Penn, who serves as Executive Director of The Irving Penn Foundation, emphasized the importance of this auction, stating, "As stewards of Irving Penn's artistic legacy since 2010, this auction marks a significant milestone for our organization. Each work selected for this sale showcases the innovation and precision that characterized my father's artistic vision. This is not just an auction—it's a celebration of his life and legacy."
The selected artworks offer a comprehensive look at Penn's extensive career, featuring notable pieces from his illustrious Black and White series, created for Vogue in the 1950s, and a striking platinum-palladium print comprising multiple panels that were part of his 1977 street exhibition at The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Penn's influence extends beyond photography; he was also a skilled painter and draftsman, and for the first time, this auction will include works in these additional mediums, reflecting the full range of his creative output. Vanessa Hallett, Phillips' Deputy Chairwoman and Worldwide Head of Photographs, commented on Penn's legacy, saying, "Irving Penn is not only a master of photography but is also integral to the 20th century's art historical narrative. Phillips is honored to serve as a platform for this sale, allowing new audiences to engage with Penn’s incredible body of work and helping educate future collectors about his lasting impact."
The Irving Penn Foundation, established in 2005, plays a crucial role in promoting appreciation and understanding of Penn's artistry, encouraging exploration of the diverse techniques, mediums, and subject matters he employed in his prolific career. The auction will serve as both a pivotal moment in the foundation's mission to preserve Penn's artistic legacy and an inspiring event for collectors and fans alike who hold a deep reverence for photographic art. With a legacy that continues to resonate within the art community, the auction is anticipated to attract significant attention from collectors and art lovers around the globe, making it a must-see event this fall.
Scheduled for October 8, 2025, the auction is set to precede Phillips' seasonal Photographs sale, which will occur the following day, October 9. The significance of this auction cannot be overstated; it provides an unprecedented opportunity for collectors and art enthusiasts to acquire pieces that have been curated from the Irving Penn Foundation's archives—many of which have never before been available on the auction market.
Irving Penn's artistic journey is characterized by a dedication to excellence and a mastery of various mediums and techniques. His work embodies a rich tapestry of styles and subjects, ranging from striking fashion photography that has defined the industry for decades to profound portraits and innovative still lifes. Known for his quiet intensity and technical prowess, Penn's images are not only visually arresting but also steeped in narrative depth. Each piece set to be sold reflects his meticulous approach and innovative spirit that propelled him to the forefront of modern photography.
Tom Penn, who serves as Executive Director of The Irving Penn Foundation, emphasized the importance of this auction, stating, "As stewards of Irving Penn's artistic legacy since 2010, this auction marks a significant milestone for our organization. Each work selected for this sale showcases the innovation and precision that characterized my father's artistic vision. This is not just an auction—it's a celebration of his life and legacy."
The selected artworks offer a comprehensive look at Penn's extensive career, featuring notable pieces from his illustrious Black and White series, created for Vogue in the 1950s, and a striking platinum-palladium print comprising multiple panels that were part of his 1977 street exhibition at The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Penn's influence extends beyond photography; he was also a skilled painter and draftsman, and for the first time, this auction will include works in these additional mediums, reflecting the full range of his creative output. Vanessa Hallett, Phillips' Deputy Chairwoman and Worldwide Head of Photographs, commented on Penn's legacy, saying, "Irving Penn is not only a master of photography but is also integral to the 20th century's art historical narrative. Phillips is honored to serve as a platform for this sale, allowing new audiences to engage with Penn’s incredible body of work and helping educate future collectors about his lasting impact."
The Irving Penn Foundation, established in 2005, plays a crucial role in promoting appreciation and understanding of Penn's artistry, encouraging exploration of the diverse techniques, mediums, and subject matters he employed in his prolific career. The auction will serve as both a pivotal moment in the foundation's mission to preserve Penn's artistic legacy and an inspiring event for collectors and fans alike who hold a deep reverence for photographic art. With a legacy that continues to resonate within the art community, the auction is anticipated to attract significant attention from collectors and art lovers around the globe, making it a must-see event this fall.
Topics Entertainment & Media）
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