Irving Penn’s Nude 58 Alongside Diane Arbus Photo Lead Brunk’s Photography | Modern Art + Design Auction

Nude 58 by Irving Penn is a leading lot in the upcoming Photography | Modern Art + Design Auction, offered by Brunk Auctions. It is an image of a bare contoured body by Penn, taken in 1950. The available platinum palladium print on Arches paper is dated June 1976 and hand coated by the photographer, editioned 11/33. This print was exhibited in the National Museum of American Art and the National Portrait Gallery in 1990. Irving Penn’s first Vogue cover was published in October 1943. Just a year later, in 1944, he volunteered for the American Field Service despite having a heart condition. Even during the horrors of war, Penn’s artistic eye came through. Penn’s fashion photography, portraits, and still lifes are what he is known for today. The amalgamation of portraiture, fashion, and minimalism is evident in his work and continues to inform the art of photography.

An image from the Junior Interstate Ballroom Dance Champions in New York in 1962, captured by Diane Arbus (American, 1923 – 1971) is another notable lot. This black-and-white image shows two child dancers swaying with their trophies upfront. It is signed Doon Arbus (the artist’s daughter), editioned 14/75, and inscribed “print by Neil Selkirk.” Other works in the sale from notable artists include The Ancestress (1954) by Fritz Bultman, signed with an encircled monogram, and Van Heusen (Ronald Reagan), a screenprint on Lenox Museum Board by Andy Warhol. View the catalog of the Photography | Modern Art + Design Auction | October 20, 2023 and find other online auctions by visiting Bidsquare.