Classy art and impressive photographs are garnering strong attraction to Bonhams & Butterfields May auction. The sale of European & American Prints and Fine Photographs includes works by twentieth century iconic, international masters offered in Los Angeles and San Francisco on May 20-21, 2008.

The auction features rare and fresh to the market works by Robert Mapplethorpe, Frank Stella, Andy Warhol, Henri Cartier-Bresson, Wayne Thiebaud, and Manuel Alvarez Bravo. Judith Eurich, Director of Fine Prints and Photographs at Bonhams & Butterfields stated, “The market for works on paper continues to be strong, reflecting the expansion of the medium’s collector base. This May we are pleased to offer a wide array of works from noted international artists.”

The two day sale includes over 600 lots during the simulcast auctions in San Francisco and Los Angeles. Highlighted in the marquee lot of the photography session is a highly desired portfolio entitled New California Views dated 1964-1979. It includes twenty signed and dated photos from contemporary photographers John Divola, Richard Misrach, Stephen Shore, Henry Wessel Jr., and Garry Winogrand, among others, and is one of an edition of 100, including a catalogue with text by Therese Hayman. Another important piece is the Robert Mapplethorpe’s ‘Z’ Portfolio from 1981. Composed of thirteen signed and edition numbered gelatin silver prints, it includes an essay from Edmund White, in a brown silk folding case. Images from the ‘Z’ Portfolio include portraits of unknown and famous sitters shot in 1979-1980 throughout New York City and San Francisco.

Previews will be open to the public in Los Angeles on May 9-11 and in San Francisco on May 17-19. Get further details on Bonhams & Butterfields’ website.