press release

Auctioneer leads second edition of Haute Auctions on 13 April in Portage

Haute Auctions is the new international platform for art photography. Here collectors and enthusiasts can purchase important 20th-century and contemporary works by established names and emerging talent, under the guidance of experts. On 13 April at 7.30 p.m. the second auction will take place in the Portage in Amsterdam, where Haute Auctions has a temporary office.

This edition Haute Auctions presents a wide range of works from vintage to contemporary photography, serving both the starting and the experienced collector. Works by leading photographers such as Viviane Sassen, Gerard Fieret, Marc Lagrange and Bernd and Hilla Becher of the Dusseldorf School will be auctioned, as well as a number of photographs by their prominent students such as Thomas Ruff, Thomas Struth and Candida Höfer. In total there are 50 lots with estimates between €500 and €15.000.

Live auction

Unlike the first auction in October 2020, this auction will not only take place online, but also live from the beautifully restored school building Portage, at Overtoom 16 in Amsterdam. Interested parties will have the opportunity to come and view the works completely coronaproof beforehand. The auction itself will be conducted by the newest addition to the team: Benthe van Veggel-Tupker, auctioneer and former head of the Post-War & Contemporary Art division at Christie's Amsterdam. About the upcoming auction she says: "It's great to be part of this energetic and ambitious team, with whom we shape this innovative platform, and I look forward to leading the live auction. This second edition is a balanced mix of vintage photographs, such as works by Fieret, combined with contemporary works by well-known photographers like Van Empel, Sassen, Olaf and young talents. I find the work by Pieter Laurens Mol very interesting because of its symbolism. But Cy Twombly's studio interior is also a little gem, giving you a wonderful glimpse into the life of this great master, who also created his own beautiful language in photography."

Viewing days

The viewing days will take place form Friday 9 April (preview by invitation) to Monday 12 April. Unique compared to other auction houses is the presentation of the works online. By means of short videos, potential buyers can learn more about the photographs and their background. The works and the complete catalogue can be viewed at www.hauteauctions.com. The viewing days and auction take place according to the latest COVID-19 guidelines and the advice of the RIVM. 

About Haute Auctions

Haute Auctions is an initiative of Roy Kahmann; art collector, gallery owner and publisher of photo books and photography magazines. In September 2020 he launched the platform together with Margitte Verwoerdt, former specialist Post-War & Contemporary Art at Bonhams. They did this out of a desire to give the world of photography a new impulse. Advisor Jop Ubbens, former director of Christie's Amsterdam, has also been involved from the start, andnow a team of experts has been attracted. Co-founder of Haute Auctions Margitte Verwoerdt says: "In the photography market it is necessary for an auction platform to connect the primary and secondary market. As photographs are often limited editions, a work can also be sold through a gallery or artist. It is therefore in the interest of the artists, who are often still alive, to offer works with an estimate in line with the market. More and more online auction initiatives have emerged in the past year. We are happy to share a refreshing vision on the auctioning of photographs."