GLEN COVE, NY.- A fashion world treasure trove of rare Bruce Weber silver gelatin print photographs were just discovered in an abandoned, recently-auctioned New Jersey storage unit once belonging to Weber’s close friend, renowned fashion designer Victor Alfaro. The entire cache of prints, found by an anonymous collector, is now being auctioned by Roland Auctions NY on May 31st, 2025.
This collection, along with hundreds of other impressive items from multiple noteworthy estates, will be offered along with Fine and Contemporary Art, Antique furniture pieces, 20th Century Modern, Silver, Decorative Arts, Asian Arts, Textiles and Lighting. Previews will be held on Thursday, May 29th & Friday, May 30th, 10am – 6pm.
Bruce Weber, Nude Portrait. Silver Gelatin Print, Est $600 - $800.
The photographs may now reignite attention surrounding the fashion photographer’s long-standing history of sexual misconduct allegations. This collection includes 40–50 original photographs, many signed, numbered, and inscribed “To Victor, Love Bruce,” is not mass-produced art prints — they are museum-quality originals gifted directly from Weber to Alfaro and hidden from the public eye for years.
The centerpiece of the collection is a boxed set titled "The Twins from Madrid," a haunting and visually striking series captured during one infamous Montauk shoot with twin models from Spain, Juan and Cesar Hortoneda, showcasing Weber’s signature black-and-white aesthetic. This a boxed collection of seven silver gelatin prints and two color prints (9 pieces total) depicting "The Twins from Madrid," Juan and Cesar Hortoneda , a series of photographs taken by Weber, each with pencil annotations to reverse, and one initialed "B.W.". Includes hand-written note on Bruce Weber stationary. Gifted to Victor Alfaro. The notable and visually striking series is believed to have been captured during a shoot on Montauk, Long Island. [Prints: 5.5" H x 4.5" W; Sheets: 7" H x 5" W]. Est. $3,000-$5,000.
Other most notable lots include the Bruce Weber (American, b. 1946) collection of four unframed silver gelatin prints depicting twins Travis and Troy Cannata. Each pencil signed and numbered to reverse, with personal annotations from Weber to designer Victor Alfaro. Editions include: 7/4, 3/8, 10/2, 1/1. One dated 2008. [Prints: 5.5" H x 4.5" W; Sheets: 7" H x 5" W]. Est. $400-$600 and the Annie Leibovitz (American, b. 1949) rare signed color portraits depicting designer Victor Alfaro, his twin brother, and another set of twins. The image originally ran in Vogue magazine in 1996. Faintly signed in white pencil (?) to bottom right corner and inscribed "For Victor - New York" lower left. Includes two sheets contained under mat and framed under glass. [Mat opening: 12.5" H x 17" W; Frame: 19" H x 25" W]. Estimate $2,000-$3,000. Another is the Bruce Weber (American, b. 1946) framed silver gelatin print depicting a standing nude portrait facing away from view. Annotated in pencil to reverse "29977-30 #16" and possibly monogrammed. [Print: 9.25" H x 7.25" W; Sheet: 10" H x 8" W; Frame: 11" H x 9" W]. Est: $600 - $800.
Lorraine Vail Bronze Sculpture of a Rhinoceros Estimate $2000-$3000.
At Roland’s previous auction, exquisite bronze pieces from the private collection of Neil Zukerman former owner CFM Gallery did extremely well. So much so that Roland is now offering a selection of additional pieces. These will include a Lorraine Vail (American, b. 1952) Bronze Sculpture of a Rhinoceros, 1998, edition 9/200 of a version acquired by the Vatican Library, marked The Vatican Library, 1451 International Ltd., and signed Lorraine Vail to base. 9.5" H x 7" W x 13" D]. Estimate $2000-$3000 and an After Leonor Fini (Argentina, 1907-1996) Sphinx Gardien Bronze Sculpture, 2005, after Fini's 1946 painting, from the Zavattero Foundry, Paris, with foundry mark, title, and date marked to base with "Estate of Leonor Fini," and editioned 3/8 to reverse. [7" H x 8.5" W x 4.5" D], estimated at $800-$1200.
George Nakashima for Widdicomb Rosewood Floating Desk , circa 1970. Estimate $3000-$5000.
In the home furnishing arena, notable lots include a Pair of George III Giltwood mirrors, circa 1780, with scrolling and pierced gilt frames, likely gilded later, retailed by Kentshire at Bunny Williams Incorporated, NY, with the mercury glass replaced in the late 19th century, with the 2005 valuation of $135,000. [55" H x 30" W]. Estimate $15,000 - $20,000 and George Nakashima for Widdicomb Rosewood Floating Desk , circa 1970, with a glass inset top, wood joinery at corners, and two drawers at left side, marked George Nakashima to base, and Widdicomb to interior drawer. [13.5" H x 53.5" W x 18" D]. Estimate $3000-$5000.
Pair of George III Giltwood mirrors, circa 1780, with scrolling and pierced gilt frames. Estimate $15,000 - $20,000.
In the always popular art arena at Roland, a Ben Zion, or Benzion Weiman (Polish/American, 1897-1987) oil on canvas of flowers, circa mid-20th century, in a gilt frame, signed Ben Zion to lower right. [Sight: 29" H x 16" W; frame: 39" H x 26" W]. Estimate $1500-$2500 is being offered, along with an Henri Matisse (French, 1869-1954) "Femme" lithograph, signed Henri Matisse to lower right and editioned 40/100 to lower left, with a label affixed to verso. [Sight: 17" H x 22" W; frame: 29.5" H x 34.5" W]. Overall condition is good. Estimate $1000-$2000 and a Marc Chagall (French, 1887-1985) "Femme Ecuyere" or Woman Equestrian, circa 1950, signed Marc Chagall to lower right and marked H.C. to lower left, in a gilt frame. [Sight: 14" H x 21" W; frame: 21.75" H x 28" W]. Estimate $1000-$2000.
Join Roland NY at 150 School Street in Glen Cove, NY for the upcoming auction on May 3rd, 2025 at 10am. For further information call 212-260-2000 or visit:
www.rolandantiques.com
