NEW YORK, NY.- The top lot of the 10 December live auction of works by Ansel Adams (1902–1984) was Moonrise, Hernandez, New Mexico, 1941, which realized $75,000. Another highlight of the sale to benefit The Center for Creative Photography at the University of Arizona included Clearing Winter Storm, Yosemite Valley, California, 1938, which realized $60,000, The Tetons and the Snake River, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming, 1942, which realized $58,750, and Thunderstorm over the Great Plains near Cimarron, New Mexico, c. 1961, which realized $40,000.

Proceeds from the sale will benefit a new acquisition endowment for The Center for Creative Photography. When Adams co-founded the Center, he wanted it to be more than a museum solely dedicated to exhibiting his work. His vision, which has now become a reality, was to create a seminal place for the exhibition, research, dialogue, and celebration of all photographers and photography throughout time. The distinct group of works in this sale are duplicate prints that were initially placed at the Center by Adams and reside outside of his archive. This sale will allow the Center to continue to further his vision by diversifying its collection.

Darius Himes, International Head of Photography at Christie’s, remarked: “We are extremely pleased with this afternoon’s results of 100% sold by lot and value. The strength of the Ansel Adams market is evident through strong results for iconic images, high bidder turnout and very active Internet bidding. To be able to contribute to the overall mission of The Center for Creative Photography, and specifically through the use of these proceeds to create an acquisition fund, is a deep and lasting honor.”

Other highlights:

• Thunderstorm over the Great Plains near Cimarron, New Mexico, c. 1961
gelatin silver print, mounted on board, signed in ink (mount, recto); titled in ink in photographer's Carmel credit stamp [BMFA Stamp 5], affixed with Museum of Modern Art exhibition label, and with Center for Creative Photography & AAPRT stamps (mount, verso) Price Realized: $40,000

• Aspens, Northern New Mexico, 1958, gelatin silver print, mounted on board, printed probably 1962-1963, signed in ink (mount, recto); photographer's Carmel credit stamp [BMFA Stamp 5], with Center for Creative Photography & AAPRT stamps (mount, verso) Price Realized: $37,500