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Phillips Presents ‘Color Vision’: A Landmark Collection of Master Prints That Defined the Art of Photography

Phillips Presents ‘Color Vision’: A Landmark Collection of Master Prints That Defined the Art of Photography February 24, 2025Art Auction, New York0 Comments

Phillips annonce les lots phares de la vente “Color Vision: Masterworks by William Eggleston from Guy Stricherz and Irene Malli”du 18 mars 2025 à New York

The Art of Color, The Mastery of Vision

When it comes to defining moments in photography, few processes have transformed the field quite like dye transfer printing. Now, Phillips is unveiling ‘Color Vision: Master Prints from Guy Stricherz and Irene Malli’, a landmark auction series celebrating the unparalleled mastery of these two color visionaries. The first sale, taking place on March 18, 2025, is entirely dedicated to the legendary William Eggleston – a pioneer who dared to make color the soul of fine art photography.

The Legends Behind the Lens

Eggleston’s work has long been revered for its ability to capture the poetry of everyday life. But what is an artist without the perfect canvas? Enter Guy Stricherz and Irene Malli, the magicians behind Color Vision Imaging Laboratory. These two have spent decades perfecting the alchemy of color, working with photography’s greats – from Irving Penn to Annie Leibovitz, Thomas Demand to Joel Sternfeld – to ensure their visions were printed to absolute perfection.

Their commitment to the dye transfer process, which allows for a depth of tone and intensity of color unmatched by any other medium, has elevated their status to the most trusted color printers of the last four decades. With Kodak’s discontinuation of dye transfer materials in 1994, no more prints of this caliber can ever be produced, making this auction a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for collectors.

Eggleston’s Legacy and the Crown Jewel of the Auction

Headlining the sale is ‘Los Alamos’, Eggleston’s seminal portfolio that encapsulates his radical exploration of color photography between 1965 and 1974. A collection of 101 prints, this master set is considered the definitive body of his work and is estimated to fetch between $2,000,000 and $3,000,000.

Also featured is ‘The Magnificent Seven’, a suite of seven large-scale dye transfer prints, including the iconic ‘Memphis (tricycle)’ – the same image that graced the cover of William Eggleston’s Guide at MoMA’s groundbreaking 1976 exhibition. Another standout, ‘Greenwood, Mississippi (Red Ceiling)’, is a testament to Eggleston’s genius and the technical wizardry of Stricherz and Malli, who captured the intensity of his signature crimson hue in a way no other process could.

William Eggleston, Los Alamos (101 prints), 1964-74

A Sale That Redefines Collecting

“Eggleston changed the rules of photography,” says Vanessa Hallett, Deputy Chairwoman and Worldwide Head of Photographs at Phillips. “His images, coupled with the mastery of Stricherz and Malli, represent the pinnacle of color photography. This sale is not just an auction – it is the closing of an era, a final opportunity to own the very best examples of a disappearing art form.”

With over 150 lots spanning multiple sales throughout 2025, Phillips is offering more than just master prints – it is presenting a legacy in color. The works on auction stand as both historical documents and aesthetic treasures, inviting collectors to secure their place in the story of photography.

Final Thoughts: If Color is Poetry, This Auction is Its Grand Symphony

For those who believe in the magic of photography, this is the moment to step forward. Owning one of these master prints is not just about acquisition – it is about becoming a steward of an irreplaceable art form. So, whether you’re a seasoned collector or simply a lover of breathtaking imagery, this is where history meets opportunity.

Mark your calendars – because when the gavel drops on March 18, color photography will never look the same again.

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