William Eggleston photograph collection: American imagery for sale in NY

Colour photography pioneer William Eggleston's rare artworks are auctioning in New York, next month

Masterworks by US photographer William Eggleston, who is widely credited with increasing recognition for colour photography as an artistic medium, will auction in New York on March 12.

The auction promises both iconic works and lesser-known pieces from Eggleston's canon. In total, 36 "extremely limited" editions of his photographic works will appear for sale. All have been consigned by a single owner.

Each work appears in limited editions of two oversized format (60 x 44 inches) images. This is the first time such a size and format has been utilised by the artist.

Memphis (Tricycle), 1969-1970 (estimated at $250,000-350,000)

Untitled (Peaches), 1971 ($100,000-150,000)

In the words of auctioneer Christie's, "In their new size, the photographs become entirely different objects than any that have ever existed on the market until this point."

Estimates for the rare and coveted works range from $40,000-350,000. Proceeds from the sale will benefit the Eggleston Artistic Trust.

Eggleston is best known for conjuring vivid images from prosaic American imagery, whether it's a vintage tricycle, a bored teenager (pictured top right) or a bucolic southern landscape.

The key works for sale in New York include the top lot, Memphis (Tricycle), 1969-1970 (estimated at $250,000-350,000); Sumner, Mississippi, 1970 ($120,000-180,000); and Untitled (Peaches), 1971 ($100,000-150,000).

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Images: Christie's