NEW YORK.- Christie’s announced five important sales during its Photographs Week at Rockefeller Center this April. With viewings for all sales open to the public from April 4 until April 8, the five distinct sales will present collectors with the finest photographs from many of the 20th century’s most important and influential artists. The combined total for all sales is expected to be in excess of $9.5-14.8 million.

April 10: Fine Photobooks from an Important - Private Collection This remarkable collection of photobooks is arguably the finest to be offered at auction to date, and is expected to realize $1.5m-2.2 million. Almost without exception, every book in this private collection is distinguished by superb condition and provenance. Indeed most of the books are signed or inscribed by the photographers, linking some of the key figures of 20th-century photography. Highlights include Henri Cartier-Bresson’s The Decisive Moment, New York, 1952, (Estimate: $20,000–30,000) and a first edition of Brassaï’s Paris de nuit, 1933, inscribed to Andre Kertesz (Estimate: $30,000–50,000).

April 10 - Photographs from the Collection of Bruce and Nancy Berman - New York Christie's has been entrusted with the sale of Photographs from the Collection of Bruce and Nancy Berman to be held across a series of three single-owner auctions. The first part of the collection will be auctioned on April 10 and will offer 51 lots by Diane Arbus. Among the highlights are some of her most iconic photographs including, Boy with a straw hat waiting to march in pro-war parade, NYC, 1967 (Estimate: $25,000-35,000), and Girl in a watch cap, N.Y.C., 1965 (Estimate: $20,000-30,000).

April 10 - Photographs from the Collection of Gert Elfering On April 10 Christie’s will offer Photographs from the Collection of Gert Elfering. This auction continues to reveal a unique eye and sensibility in a carefully curated and beautifully presented catalogue, sure to entice collectors from across the world. The sale will include approximately 140 lots with an overall estimate of $2 to $3 million.

April 11 – Photographs by Ansel - Adams from a California Collection This sale is devoted entirely to the works of Ansel Adams. With 122 lots, the sale includes highlights from throughout Adams’ distinguished career, some prints in mural-size. The collection includes for example, a mural print of Adams’ stunning Clearing Winter Storm, Yosemite, 1944 (Estimate: $250,000-350,000). The total estimate for this sale is $3 to $5 million.

April 11 – Photographs On April 11 Christie’s will also showcase a range of early 20th century photography through to the present. The Photographs sale includes a refined group of tightly curated works, including important photographs by artists such as Edward Weston, Irving Penn, Diane Arbus, Dorthea Lange, Robert Mapplethorpe, and Henri Cartier-Bresson, and Brassaï. Two masterpieces by Irving Penn are being offered, which demonstrate the breadth and scope of his artistic output from opposite sides of his working spectrum: the iconic Black and White Vogue Cover, 1950, platinum-palladium print (Estimate: $200,000-300,000) and Cuzco Children, 1948, platinum-palladium print (Estimate: $250,000-350,000). Other highlights include: Robert Mapplethorpe, Calla Lily, 1988 platinum print (Estimate: $100,000-150,0000, Henri Cartier-Bresson’s Hyeres, France, 1932, gelatin silver print (Estimate: $60,000-90,000) – Portrait of the Eternal, 1933 by Manuel Alvarez Bravo (Estimate: $60,000-80,000), and Robert Polidori, Self-Portrait of the King's Portraitist, The First Antechamber of Madame Victoire, Chateau de Versailles, 1985, chromogenic print (Estimate: $15,000-25,000).

Auctions: April 10 & 11, 2008. Viewing: 20 Rockefeller Center, Friday April 4 10am-5pm, Saturday April 5 10am-5pm, Sunday April 6 1pm-5pm, Monday April 7 10am-5pm, Tuesday April 8 10am-5pm.