Berenice Abbott, Route one Texaco, date, Silver print, 16.5 x 11.5 inches, $14,000.

Berenice Abbott (1898-1991) American photographer best known for her 20th century portraits, 1930 images of NYC, and 1940-1960 science interpretations. She studied under Man Ray and exhibited with Alfred Stieglitz. Abbott, played a pivotal role bridging the photographic scenes of Paris and New York. Born in Ohio, she initially pursued sculpture, forming key connections with Marcel Duchamp and Man Ray in New York. Her journey led her to Paris in 1921, where she continued her sculptural studies and ultimately delved into photography, working as Man Ray's assistant. Following Eugène Atget's passing, Abbott collaborated to acquire his archives, preserving his legacy. Abbott's dedication to a documentary style of photography and her promotion of Atget's work left an indelible mark on the art world, with her retrospective at The Museum of Modern Art in 1970 solidifying her legacy.