Richard Gere’s collection of photographs, worth 2 million dollars, is up for auction

American actor Richard Gere, 72, is auctioning his collection of photographs, including shots of artists who have made the history of photography. The New York branch of Christie’s auction house will offer “Photographs from the Richard Gere Collection” with an online sale that will take place from March 23 to April 7, 2022, estimated to gross nearly $ 2 million. The 156-lot auction offers works that span the entire history of the photographic medium, including 19th century masters Gustave Le Gray and Carleton Watkins, recognized early 20th century figures such as Edward Weston, Tina Modotti and Alfred Stieglitz, up to notable contemporary icons such as Richard Avedon, Diane Arbus, Irving Penn, Sally Mann, Robert Mapplethorpe and Herb Ritts. Many of the photos were purchased directly from the artists, many of whom Gere counted among his close friends. In a statement Richard Gere explained: “These photographs came into my life because I felt something for them. They have a real soul, a humanity, a generosity, no matter what the technique. Most photographers here are not. interested in technology. And those who are interested in technology come from a deep, personal place with a point of view and an understanding of the universe. ” Among the many highlights of the sale are emotionally charged works by Diane Arbus, Ralph Eugene Meamingham and Sally Mann. These photos resonate with theatricality and drama; the images are challenging while maintaining a sense of pleasure. According to Gere, “being an actor, my fundamental tool is emotions. So I think most of the images I respond to have the hint of a story or a flicker of mystery.” Darius Himes, Christie’s international head of photography, observes: “We are thrilled to handle such extraordinary works by one of the great film actors of the 20th century. Refined for years both in front of and behind the camera, Gere’s passion for creating images and collecting is in full view in this wonderfully original collection. In the late 1970s his interest in photography was strengthened by his friendship with the late fashion photographer Herb Ritts, which inspired him to delve into the history of photography. Since then, he has collected across genres and time. Up for auction are the highlights of the collection that reflect his time in New York and Los Angeles, his admiration for 19th and 20th century photographers and the friendships that he did along the way “.