Vivian Maier took more than 100,000, possibly up to 150,000 photographs, mainmy during the 1950s and 1960s. The vast majority of her work surfaced as film negatives, and all vintage prints exceedingly rare and limited in number. In curating this exhibition of these remarkable photographs we must note that current prices of the vintage prints being offered by Roy Slattery generally start at $1,000 with the top third of lots selling over $2,000 per print.
The art collecting world is onto the rising value of these original vintage prints by a famed artist that is a safer investment than Bitcoin. To properly appraise this diptych, we start with its recent history purchased at auction in a series of nine, with a total value of $1,500 in 2024. Given the limited numbers of verified available original Vivian Maier prints, we estimate these two pictures to attract bids over $1,000 at auction in the near future.
If you’ve found our content useful, please visit our sponsors. Our research continues after this advertisement …
Bottom line: The market for Vivian Maier vintage prints has just begun and some lots are selling for under $1,000 while prints of considerable merit are selling between $2,000 and $5,000 with original colour transparencies going for $12,500 because of the reproduction possibilities. Just because someone owns a print, even an original print, does not mean they hold the copyright.
Vivian Maier originals are priceless, and the value is in the eye of the beholder. On artistic merit alone, this artist should easily ten-bag in ten years if not sooner. Single photos purchased at auction in a series of nine for $1,000 could take less than nine years to reach a price of $1,000 for each print. 10% per annum return on investment is a fair aim. The art collecting world is onto the rising value of these original vintage prints by a famed artist that is a safer investment than Bitcoin. DYI this is not intended as investment advice.
How many Vivian Maier vintage prints exist?
How many vintage prints by Vivian Maier are there? ArtNet has only 19 listed prints. Tracing the records of the three men who purchased Vivian Maier’s photo archive when her storage foreclosed, it is estimated that Prow/Goldstein have 20,000 original prints, Maloof Collections has 2000, most of them being the pocket size photos that come with the developed film. Slattery, from whom these vintage prints were purchased, said “less than 300 large format” exist, and he appears to have a few hundred of the small original vintage prints.
We asked Stephen Bulger what happened to the Prow-Goldstein collection of Vivian Maier photos and he replied “We sold the collection of B&W negatives by Vivian Maier we purchased from Jeffrey Goldstein to a buyer in Europe.” Mr Bulger did not say whether it was sold to a private collector or institution.
Investing in art, history & cultural intrigue
The market for vintage prints by Vivian Maier is a fascinating intersection of artistry, history, and cultural intrigue. As one of the most enigmatic and celebrated street photographers of the 20th century, Maier’s work has garnered immense attention and admiration from collectors, art enthusiasts, and scholars alike.
The phenomenon of Vivian Maier means her work attracts collectors interested in the pinnacle of art and 20th century history, and the cultural appeal of children is a subject matter suitable for any wall. Intuitive interior designers often purchase a few works to make a statement wall to reflect or compliment the character of the occupant. The demand for vintage prints by Vivian Maier can be attributed to several key factors:
Rarity and Authenticity
Vintage prints are those that were created by Maier herself during her lifetime. These prints hold a special allure for collectors due to their authenticity and historical significance. Only three sources exist as discussed in Provenance, apart from the resellers of single lots currently going through auctions and a gallery in Florida. As Maier’s work was largely unknown during her lifetime, vintage prints offer a direct connection to her artistic vision and process. No more authentic prints will be made.
Various accounts of the negatives and prints in the suitcases and boxes sold at auction have said the photographs appear to be from the 1950s and 1960s. Colour transparencies or slides coming onto auctions are revealing more about her later work.
Historical Context
Maier’s photographs offer a unique window into the social and cultural landscapes of mid-20th century America. Her candid street scenes capture moments of everyday life with a raw authenticity that resonates with viewers across generations. Vintage prints not only serve as works of art but also as historical documents that shed light on the human experience during a pivotal period in history.
Artistic Merit
Beyond their historical significance, Maier’s photographs are celebrated for their artistic merit. Her keen eye for composition, mastery of light and shadow, and ability to capture the essence of her subjects elevate her work to the realm of fine art. Vintage prints allow collectors to appreciate the nuances of Maier’s craft in its original form, unaltered by modern printing techniques.
In considering any art for investment, first ask “can I see this on my wall?” Collecting to a theme is often the basis of photography collections. As an artist who has photos appearing at auction for the first time, prices for Vivian Maier’s photographs are subdued allowing for some flexibility in photo selection.
Limited Availability
Due to the nature of Maier’s discovery and the subsequent management of her estate, vintage prints are relatively scarce compared to contemporary prints or reproductions. As a result, collectors often vie for the opportunity to acquire these rare and coveted pieces of photographic history.
The market for vintage prints by Vivian Maier is dynamic and ever-evolving, driven by a combination of artistic appreciation, historical interest, and collector demand. Auction houses, galleries, and specialized dealers play a key role in facilitating the buying and selling of Maier’s work, with prices reflecting the rarity, condition, and provenance of individual prints.
As Maier’s legacy continues to grow, fueled by exhibitions, publications, and ongoing scholarly research, the market for vintage prints is likely to remain robust, serving as a testament to the enduring power and relevance of her photographic vision.
What to look for
Unless authenticated, be wary of prints behind glass frames. The market for vintage prints by Vivian Maier, like any other valuable artwork, is susceptible to the presence of fakes and forgeries. Given the surge in popularity and demand for Maier’s work in recent years, it’s crucial for collectors to exercise caution and diligence when navigating the market.
Avoid falling victim to fakes
As more individual vintage prints are released at auction, be prepared for reproductions and reprints. Just because you own a print, doesn’t mean that you own the copyright. The copyright of Vivian Maier’s street photography is discussed further here. We never duplicate images for sale, only for NFP educational publication purposes, promoting their exhibitions and possible sale/lease of original vintage prints that we purchased at auction.
Expert Authentication
If the provenance or history of the artwork’s owners is in doubt, seek out expert opinion and authentication whenever possible. Consulting with knowledgeable professionals, such as appraisers, curators, or experts specializing in Maier’s work, can provide valuable insights into the authenticity and quality of a print. Look for reputable authentication services or institutions with a track record of expertise in Maier’s photography.
Provenance
As noted, there are only three original sources of Vivian Maier’s photographs and all of her photographs can be traced to sale from those sources. Developing her oeuvre of artist book would seem an impossible task working across so many sources. Maloof Collections has around 90% of Vivian Maier’s photographs; the Prow/Jeffrey Goldstein collection have more than 17,500 images under Vivian Maier Prints Inc, the vast majority sold in 2014 when copyright claims threatened to Bulger Gallery in Toronto; and Slattery who is selling via Heritage Auctions.
Stephen Bulger told us “We sold the collection of B&W negatives by Vivian Maier we purchased from Jeffrey Goldstein to a buyer in Europe.” Mr Bulger did not provide details as to whether it was sold to a private collector or institution.
Authentic vintage prints by Vivian Maier should come with a clear and verifiable provenance tracing the history of ownership back to one of the three original sources. If a seller can’t display Maier herself or one of the 3 reputable sources, it is a red flag. Documentation such as certificates of authenticity, receipts, or records of previous sales can help establish the legitimacy of a print.
Research and Comparison
Familiarize yourself with Maier’s body of work, including the style, composition, and printing techniques commonly associated with her photographs. Study examples of known authentic prints to develop a discerning eye for Maier’s aesthetic and to recognize any inconsistencies or deviations in purported vintage prints. We recommend this interview with Goldstein, a collector and curator of about 20,000 original Vivian Maier photographs to understand some of the logistical, ethical and curatorial challenges that come with interpreting, sharing and producing Vivian Maier’s photographs to the public.
Condition and Quality
Assess the condition and quality of the print itself, paying attention to factors such as paper type, printing method, and any signs of aging or wear. Authentic vintage prints by Maier may exhibit characteristic features such as silver gelatin printing, tonal richness, and subtle variations in contrast and texture.
Purchase from Reputable Sources
Whenever possible, acquire vintage prints from reputable sources with a proven track record of dealing in Maier’s work. Established galleries, auction houses, and dealers specializing in photography are more likely to offer authentic prints backed by thorough research and expertise.
Related stories
Vivian Maier was Phil Donahue’s nanny
The copyright of Vivian Maier’s street photography
Vivian Maier gives a photography lesson in exposure
“Packing Up” by Vivian Maier in New York, 1955
Vivian Maier Vintage Photography Auction Bargains
Andre Kertesz, a pioneer of street & fine art photography
Sebastião Salgado lens on Humanity’s Struggle and Resilience
Brecht’s Man Equals Man by Theatre of the Deaf
Heinrich Hoffman photographs Adolf Hitler public speaking
Dorothea Lange’s Pioneering Approach to Portraiture
State Library of New South Wales 20th Century photography
The first photograph taken in Australia was by Captain Lucas
Australia’s first professional photographer George B Goodman
The oldest surviving Daguerreotype in Australia, 1845
Photographer Paul Dubotzki in Australia’s WWI Internment Camps
Stanley Kubrick career as a still photographer
FEATURE: Collecting Old & Vintage Photographs
Photography Appraisals, Auction Agent and Authentication
