Henri Cartier-Bresson (1908–2004), Texas, 1960. Estimate: $40,000–$60,000.





Hindman Offers Photographs from the Collection of Celebrated Collector Joe Baio



"Forever Young represents a unique selection of stellar photographs that relate back to a common theme, but also demonstrate the expansiveness of the medium,” says Gemma Sudlow, the Managing Director of Hindman Auctions in New York. Hindman is presenting for sale this fall, as a part of its inaugural New York auction season, a selection of 101 photographs from the collection of Joe Baio, a New York collector who, with wife Anne Griffin, has built one of the most extensive private photography collections in the world. 


The single-owner auction will be offered at Hindman’s New York saleroom on October 19 and includes examples from early photography pioneers such as Nadar and Julia Margaret Cameron as well as modern and contemporary works by photographers such as Diane Arbus, Henri Cartier-Bresson, Bruce Davidson, Robert Frank, LaToya Ruby Frazier, Sally Mann, and Angela Strassheim.



Peter Hujar (1934–1987), Chloe Finch, 1981. Estimate: $15,000–$25,000.


LaToya Ruby Frazier (b. 1982), Momme, 2008. Estimate: $20,000–$30,000.


“I collect photographs, and have been doing so for over thirty years, for one reason only: to experience sheer joy,” said Baio in a statement in the press release for the show. “Every aspect of collecting is a blast: searching for treasures, experiencing the thrill of victory, framing the works to suit their personalities, exploring their endless interrelationships, curating new combinations, and showing the results at home and in public.”


A prolific collector, Baio has amassed more than 6,000 pieces of photography. Numerous subjects and themes are in evidence throughout the collection, he says, but many of the photographs seem to center around the idea of childhood, innocence, and adolescence. “The collection offers an unparalleled journey through the complex lives of young people,” said Laura Paterson, Hindman’s Director and Senior Specialist of Photographs. “The incredible blend of vernacular and documentary images, as well as classic masterpieces and even conceptual and experimental works is masterfully curated.”



Frederick Sommer (1905–1999), Livia, 1948. Estimate: $30,000–$50,000.


Angela Strassheim (b. 1969), Untitled (Father and Son), 2004. Estimate: $12,000–$18,000.



Every one of the 101 lots offered in the auction has hung on a wall at the Baio’s downtown New York apartment at one time or another, according to Paterson — each year Baio and his wife rehang their home with work from the collection, which from time to time they edit down through sales or museum donations to make room for new acquisitions. Among the highlights of the current sale are:

• Henri Cartier-Bresson (1908–2004), Texas, 1960. Estimate: $40,000–$60,000.

• Frederick Sommer (1905–1999), Livia, 1948. Estimate: $30,000–$50,000.

• LaToya Ruby Frazier (b. 1982), Momme, 2008. Estimate: $20,000–$30,000.

• Peter Hujar (1934–1987), Chloe Finch, 1981. Estimate: $15,000–$25,000.

• Angela Strassheim (b. 1969), Untitled (Father and Son), 2004. Estimate: $12,000–$18,000.


Forever Young: Photographs from the Joe Baio Collection will be offered at Hindman’s New York saleroom located at 21 Greene Street New York, NY 10013 on Thursday, October 19 beginning at 10am ET. Bidding for the auction will be available in person, via absentee bid and telephone, and online via Hindman’s Digital Bid Room.