Lee Miller by Man Ray, 1930, black and white portrait, close-up, high contrast lighting.

Vicente Wolf’s 200-Piece Photography Collection Showcases Unseen Gems by Steichen, Ray, and Lange

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Written by Seth Sebastian

2026-09-28

An extraordinary collection of 200 photographs, including a rare print of Dorothea Lange’s Migrant Mother and works by Edward Steichen and Man Ray, will soon be auctioned. This remarkable collection belongs to acclaimed interior designer Vicente Wolf and will be offered as part of a two-part sale by Christie’s in New York on October 22.

Wolf’s collection, assembled over nearly fifty years, will be divided between a live and an online auction. It encompasses a broad spectrum of subjects, genres, and eras, featuring significant works by some of the 20th century’s most influential European and American photographers.

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Marilyn Monroe's iconic 1953 Playboy cover photo, sultry pose, white background.
Unknown Photographer, Marilyn Monroe, first cover of Playboy, 1953 | Christie’s Images Ltd. 2026

Wolf, known for his work across residential, hospitality, and commercial spaces, has developed a profound interest in photography. This passion was initially sparked by guidance from celebrated photographer Richard Avedon.

Thérèse Duncan dances on Acropolis, photographed by Edward Steichen, capturing motion and grace.
Edward Steichen, Wind Fire – Thérèse Duncan on the Acropolis, 1921 | Christie’s Images Ltd. 2026

In a press statement, Wolf highlighted his extensive search for the right print of Lange’s iconic Migrant Mother. His particular print is unique, showing the mother’s thumb, which Lange famously edited out of later versions. “I thought this was the perfect image to own of Dorothea Lange because of its uniqueness,” Wolf stated, emphasizing the historical value of such details.

Street in La Villette, Paris, 1921; woman standing outside a door, by Eugene Atget.
Eugene Atget, La Villette, rue Asselin, fille publique faisant le quart devant sa porte, 19e, 1921 | Christie’s Images Ltd. 2026

The collection features works by Alexander Rodchenko, Constantin Brâncusi, Man Ray, Lee Miller, Diane Arbus, André Kertész, Edward Weston, Francesca Woodman, and Richard Avedon. It also includes an intriguing press print of Marilyn Monroe, hand-masked as a mock-up for the original 1953 cover of Playboy.

Igor Stravinsky in New York City, November 1969; contemplative mood, photographed by Avedon.
Richard Avedon, Igor Stravinsky, Composer, New York City, November 2, 1969 | Christie’s Images Ltd. 2026

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Ilse Bing’s 1934 photo of fountain at Rond Point des Champs-Élysées, Paris, dynamic water flow.
Ilse Bing, Fountain, Rond Point des Champs-Élysées, Paris, 1934 | Christie’s Images Ltd. 2026

The entire Vicente Wolf Photography Collection will go under the hammer at Christie’s on October 22.

Dorothea Lange's iconic 'Migrant Mother', Nipomo, California, deep expression of struggle, 1936.
Dorothea Lange, Migrant Mother, Nipomo, California, 1936 | Christie’s Images Ltd. 2026
Edward Weston's photograph of Oceano sand dunes, 1936; sensual, flowing shapes.
Edward Weston, Dunes, Oceano, 1936 | Christie’s Images Ltd. 2026
Abstract 1937 photograph by Yva, nuanced play of light and shadows.
Yva (Else Ernestine Neuländer), Untitled, 1937 | Christie’s Images Ltd. 2026

Source: petapixel.com

Frequently asked questions

Who owns the 200-piece photography collection?

The 200-piece photography collection belongs to acclaimed interior designer Vicente Wolf.

When will Vicente Wolf’s photography collection be auctioned?

Vicente Wolf’s photography collection will be auctioned on October 22 as part of a two-part sale by Christie’s in New York.

What is unique about Wolf’s print of Migrant Mother?

Wolf’s print of Migrant Mother is unique because it shows the mother’s thumb, which Dorothea Lange famously edited out of later versions.