Swann Auction Galleries

Photographs & Photobooks
Sale #2691

This December, we are pleased to offer more than 100 lots from the Collection of Neil Robert Berzak. Rich in twentieth-century masters, this collection features rare and important photographs at accessible entry points from new and seasoned collectors. Highlights include Ansel Adams’ Portfolio Four: What Majestic Word, In Memory of Russell Varian, 1963, Julia Margaret Cameron’s signed portrait Alfred, Lord Tennyson, 1869, George A. Tice’s Petit’s Mobil Station and Watertower, Cherry Hill, N.J., 1974, printed 1979, and Roman Vishniac’s The Vanished World portfolio, 1936-38, printed 1977, among much more.  

Numerous iconic Edward Weston photographs printed by Cole Weston are featured in the collection, including Nude on Sand, Oceano, 1936, printed circa 1980s; Pepper No. 30, 1930, printed circa 1980s; and Nude (Charis, Santa Monica), 1936, printed 1970s. Other notable prints are a rare suite of Arthur Tress’ work from the series Shadow, 1974, printed 1975; Marc Riboud’s The Painter of the Eiffel Tower, Paris, 1953, printed 1980s; and Timothy O’Sullivan’s Aboriginal Life Among the Navajo Indians, New Mexico, 1873.

An amateur photographer for more than 70 years, Berzak loved photography and amassed a large and diverse collection that ranged from daguerreotypes to modern photographers. He studied with Ansel Adams in the 1960s and became friendly with many famous photographers of the 1960s and 1970s. Berzak also amassed a large collection of aviation photography. He won many amateur photography competitions and was involved with and president of the Fresh Meadows Camera Club. He was an architect in New York City.

Timed Auction — Bidding Now Open!

EXHIBITION HOURS:
Fri, Dec 13th 12pm - 5pm
Sat, Dec 14th 12pm - 5pm
Mon, Dec 16th 12pm - 5pm

Swann Auction Galleries
104 E 25th Street

New York, NY