Real Estate Agent Discovers Entire Body of Work of Great Photographer in Flea Auction

When real estate agent and flea market enthusiast John Maloof bought a box of negatives in an auction, he had no clue he was unlocking the entire body of work of an unknown but extremely prolific American street photographer.

When real estate agent and flea market enthusiast John Maloof bought a box of negatives in an auction, he had no clue he was unlocking the entire body of work of an unknown but extremely prolific American street photographer. Vivian Maier captured pictures of the urban American landscape from the 1950s to the 1990s. Being a very private person, she zealously guarded her work and kept it a secret from the world. It was only after her death and Maloof’s discovery and promotion of her work that Vivian was introduced to a wide audience, which soon recognized her genius. Today, Vivian’s prints sell for thousands of dollars, and her work has been the focus of several exhibitions, books and even this Oscar-nominated documentary. Not bad for a stash bought for $380.

Speaking of old photographs, read about new evidence that promises to unlock the mystery of one of the most iconic images of the Second World War.

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