The concept of movement – both in and through the image – set the thematic framework for the latest photographs auction by Leitz Photographica Auction, held under the title “Motion” on the evening of 30th October at the Leica Gallery Vienna. A fitting motif, as the event also celebrated the centenary of the Leica I – the camera that, one hundred years ago, first made it possible to capture the world in motion. The standout piece of the evening was “Ein-Fuß-Gänger” by Otto Steinert, which achieved the highest result of the auction at €33,600 (including buyer’s premium¹). Another highlight was a photograph of boxing legend Muhammad Ali, signed by the champion himself, depicting him during his legendary 1965 fight with Sonny Liston.

Otto Steinert (1915–1978) shaped postwar German photography like few others, bridging the “New Vision” and “Subjective Photography” movements and breaking away from the conventions of documentary photography. His works are defined by tension-filled compositions that have profoundly influenced generations of photographers. “Ein-Fuß-Gänger” (translating literally as “one-footed walker”) exemplifies Steinert’s role as a pioneer of a new way of seeing through the lens.

“This image presents Steinert’s thinking in its most distilled form. From an extreme bird’s-eye perspective, he looks down onto the street and reduces the scene to a single moment: one foot stands out clearly while the rest of the body blurs in motion,” explains Caroline Guschelbauer, Head of Photographs at Leitz Photographica Auction. Acting as auctioneer for “Motion”, Guschelbauer brought the hammer down on “Ein-Fuß-Gänger” at €28,000, for a total price of €33,600 including premium, well above the estimate of €20,000–25,000.

A second Steinert photograph – “Lichtspuren” (1952) – also exceeded expectations, selling for €20,400 (including premium) against an estimate of €10,000–12,000.

From the Boxing Ring to Vienna’s Kärntnerstraße

The longest bidding duel of the evening took place in a lower price range. In 1965, Howard L. Bingham (1939–2016) documented the heavyweight world championship fight between Muhammad Ali and Sonny Liston. The defending champion Ali won by knockout in the first round. The decisive blow went down in boxing history as the “Phantom Punch”, said to have been so fast that many spectators could not see it with the naked eye. One of Bingham’s photographs captures Ali immediately after delivering the winning punch. The fact that the photograph was personally signed by Ali likely contributed to its strong result of €4,800 (including premium) – nearly double the estimated €2,200–2,600.

Another late highlight of “Motion” added a distinctly local touch: the photograph “Kärntnerstraße” by Austrian photographer Franz Hubmann (1914–2007). Taken most presumably in the early 1960s, its subject lies only a stone’s throw from the Leica Gallery itself. The piece sold for €4,800 (including premium), exceeding its estimate of €1,800–2,000.

Post-Sale and Upcoming Camera Auction 

Alexander Sedlak, Managing Director of Leitz Photographica Auction, expressed satisfaction with the event: “Every one of our auctions is driven by a purpose and a passion. We aim to share the fascination of photography with lovers of the medium, as well as with art collectors and connoisseurs. With its carefully curated selection, ‘Motion’ fulfilled this mission perfectly.”

The next opportunity to celebrate the art of photography will come soon: on 22 November, the 47th rendition of Leitz Photographica Auction will take place at Vienna’s Hotel Imperial. This time, the focus will be on historic cameras and camera accessories. In addition, unsold “Motion” lots will be available for post-sale purchase until 23 November.

More information available at www.leitz-auction.com. 

Press photos – terms of use:

Please note the copyright indicated in the image title. The press photos may be used free of charge in news coverage on the “Motion” auction at Leica Gallery Vienna. The press photos may only be used in news coverage on the auction. The press photos may not be edited, cropped or overlaid with text.

Please find further information at: 

Leica Camera AG 

Global Corporate Communications 

E-Mail:  press@leica-camera.com  

Internet:  www.leica-camera.com 

¹ Buyers pay a fee of 20 percent of the hammer price to the auction house.