John Gutmann Paintings & Artwork for Sale | John Gutmann Art Value Price Guide

Jun. 05, 2026
John Gutmann, Auto Loans, San Francisco, 1935
Est: €1,000 - €1,200
Signed, dated and inscribed in pencil on the verso.
Lempertz
Jun. 05, 2026
John Gutmann, Double Bingo, Market Street, San Francisco, 1939
Est: €1,000 - €1,200
Signed, dated and inscribed in pencil on the verso.
Lempertz
May. 12, 2026
'San Francisco Salutes its Fair' by John Gutmann (1905-1998) (United States)
Est: €300 - €600
'San Francisco Salutes its Fair' by John Gutmann (1905-1998) (United States) Press photograph with various stamps wo. 'Pix Publishing Inc. New York City' on reverse.
Vendu Rotterdam
Nov. 20, 2025
Signed by John Gutmann
Est: $300 - $500
Heading: Author: Gutmann, John Title: Fernand Leger with Irene and Composition with Parrots" Place Published: 1940" Publisher: Date Published: Description: 1940; later print Gelatin silver print. 35.5x27.8 cm (14x11“). Signed and titled by John Gutmann on print verso. John Gutmann (1905-1998) was a German-born Jewish photographer who had trained as a painter before emigrating to America as the Nazis rose to power in 1930‘s Germany. Gutmann would end up in San Francisco shooting photographs for various European magazines including important work on the 1934 Waterfront Strike. He would later teach at San Francisco State and exhibit at the Fraenkel Gallery.
PBA Galleries Auctions & Appraisers
Sep. 20, 2025
John GUTMANN: "Lunch Hour..." - Framed Print
Est: $800 - $1,000
John Gutmann (German-American, 1905-1998) silver gelatin print titled "Lunch Hour, San Francisco," 1934. Depicts a crowded street scene with a baseball game and onlookers. Nicely framed and matted under glass. [Mat opening:14" H x 12.75" W; Frame: 24.75" H x 20.75" W]. In good condition, not examined out of frame. LOCATED ROOM 3
Roland Auctions NY
Sep. 11, 2025
5 photography titles by John Gutmann
Est: $200 - $300
Heading: (Gutmann, John) Author: Title: Five photography titles by John Gutmann Place Published: Various places Publisher: Date Published: Various dates Description: 5 volumes. Illustrated from photographs throughout. Comprises: As I Saw It: Photographs by John Gutmann. Pictorial wrappers. San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, 1976. Gutmann: August 24-October 20, 1985. Pictorial wrappers. Art Gallery of Ontario, 1985. The Restless Decade: John Gutmann's Photographs of the Thirties. Cloth, pictorial jacket. Harry N. Abrams, 1996. The Photography of John Gutmann: Culture Shock. Cloth, pictorial jacket. Merrell, 2000. John Gutmann: The Photographer at Work. Cloth, pictorial dust jacket. Yale University Press, 2009. The Restless Decade is signed by Gutmann at the half-title. A selection of scarce titles from one of America's most distinctive photographers.
PBA Galleries Auctions & Appraisers
Jun. 20, 2025
Photograph, John Gutmann
Est: $600 - $900
John Gutmann (American/German, 1905-1998), "A Bay Bridge, Learn All About It, 15 Cents, San Francisco," 1934, gelatin silver print, later printing, image: 12"h x 10"w, overall (with frame): 23.75"h x 20.75"w. Provenance: Corporate Collection, San Francisco, CA
Clars Auctions
Jun. 20, 2025
Photograph, John Gutmann
Est: $600 - $900
John Gutmann (American/German, 1905-1998), "Lunch Hour, San Francisco," 1934, gelatin silver print, likely later printing, image: 11.5"h x 10"w, overall (with frame): 23.75"h x 20.75"w. Provenance: Corporate Collection, San Francisco, CA
Clars Auctions
Jun. 20, 2025
Photograph, John Gutmann
Est: $600 - $900
John Gutmann (American/German, 1905-1998), "Looking Down from Nob Hill at San Francisco Bay with First Bay Bridge Tower and the Fleet," 1934, gelatin silver print, likely later printing, image: 9.75"h x 12.75"w, overall (with frame): 20.75"h x 23.75"w. Provenance: Corporate Collection, San Francisco, CA
Clars Auctions
May. 31, 2025
John GUTMANN: "Lunch Hour..." - Framed Print
Est: $800 - $1,000
John Gutmann (German-American, 1905-1998) silver gelatin print titled "Lunch Hour, San Francisco," 1934. Depicts a crowded street scene with a baseball game and onlookers. Nicely framed and matted under glass. [Mat opening:14" H x 12.75" W; Frame: 24.75" H x 20.75" W]. In good condition, not examined out of frame.
Roland Auctions NY
May. 15, 2025
Photograph, John Gutmann
Est: $1,000 - $2,000
John Gutmann (American/German, 1905-1998), "Lunch Hour, San Francisco," 1934, gelatin silver print, likely later printing, image: 11.5"h x 10"w, overall (with frame): 23.75"h x 20.75"w. Provenance: Corporate Collection, San Francisco, CA
Clars Auctions
May. 15, 2025
Photograph, John Gutmann
Est: $1,000 - $2,000
John Gutmann (American/German, 1905-1998), "A Bay Bridge, Learn All About It, 15 Cents, San Francisco," 1934, gelatin silver print, later printing, image: 12"h x 10"w, overall (with frame): 23.75"h x 20.75"w. Provenance: Corporate Collection, San Francisco, CA
Clars Auctions
May. 15, 2025
Photograph, John Gutmann
Est: $1,000 - $2,000
John Gutmann (American/German, 1905-1998), "Looking Down from Nob Hill at San Francisco Bay with First Bay Bridge Tower and the Fleet," 1934, gelatin silver print, likely later printing, image: 9.75"h x 12.75"w, overall (with frame): 20.75"h x 23.75"w. Provenance: Corporate Collection, San Francisco, CA
Clars Auctions
May. 08, 2025
JOHN GUTMANN (1905-1998) Spotlighted primitive (Figure of a god, Nukuoro Atoll, Caroline Islands). 1970.
Est: $1,000 - $1,500
JOHN GUTMANN (1905-1998) Spotlighted primitive (Figure of a god, Nukuoro Atoll, Caroline Islands). 1970. Silver print, the image measuring 9½x7 5/8 inches (24.1x19.4 cm.), the mount 18x14 inches (45.7x35.6 cm.), with Gutmann's signature in pencil on mount recto, and his initials, title, and date in pencil on mount verso. Provenance Acquired directly from the Photographer
Swann Auction Galleries
Oct. 01, 2024
Switch to Dodge (Detroit)
Est: $3,000 - $5,000
John Gutmann 1905 - 1998 Switch to Dodge (Detroit) signed in pencil on the reverse ferrotyped gelatin silver print 2¼ by 2⅛ in. 5.7 by 5.4 cm. Executed in 1936.
Sotheby's
Oct. 01, 2024
Man's Ruin Tattoo
Est: $3,000 - $5,000
John Gutmann 1905 - 1998 Man's Ruin Tattoo signed, titled, and dated in pencil (on the reverse) ferrotyped gelatin silver print 9½ by 7¾ in. 24.1 by 19.7 cm. Executed in 1945.
Sotheby's
Mar. 21, 2024
Photograph, John Gutmann
Est: $1,500 - $2,500
John Gutmann (German/American, 1905-1998), "Father Doll," 1951, gelatin silver print, pencil signed, titled, and dated verso, exhibition labels affixed verso: The Oakland Museum, CA; UCLA at The Armand Hammer Museum of Art and Cultural Center, Los Angeles, CA, image: 11.75"h x 10.25"w, sheet: 14"h x 11"w, overall (with frame): 22.75"h x 18.75"w. Provenance: Property from the estate of artist Robert Bechtle and art historian Whitney Chadwick. Exhibition: "Pacific Dreams: Currents of Surrealism and Fantasy in California Art 1934-1957," Oakland Museum, February 25 - June 11, 1995; UCLA at the Armand Hammer Museum of Art and Cultural Center, Los Angeles, CA
Clars Auctions
Feb. 16, 2024
Photograph, John Gutman
Est: $700 - $1,000
John Gutmann (German/American, 1905-1998), "Reach, San Francisco," 1938, later printing, gelatin silver print, pencil signed verso, inventory insciptions in pencil verso, image: 7.5"h x 8"w, sheet: 8"h x 10"w, overall (with mat): 18"h x 14"w. Provenance: Gifted to Robert Bechtle at the death of John Gutmann by the Gutmann Revocable Living Trust; Property from the estate of artist Robert Bechtle and art historian Whitney Chadwick.
Clars Auctions
Feb. 16, 2024
Photograph, John Gutmann
Est: $2,500 - $3,500
John Gutmann (German/American, 1905-1998), "Father Doll," 1951, gelatin silver print, pencil signed, titled, and dated verso, exhibition labels affixed verso: The Oakland Museum, CA; UCLA at The Armand Hammer Museum of Art and Cultural Center, Los Angeles, CA., image: 11.75"h x 10.25"w, sheet: 14"h x 11"w, overall (with frame): 22.75"h x 18.75"w. Provenance: Property from the estate of artist Robert Bechtle and art historian Whitney Chadwick. Exhibition history: "Pacific Dreams: Currents of Surrealism and Fantasy in California Art 1934-1957," Oakland Museum, February 25 - June 11, 1995; UCLA at the Armand Hammer Museum of Art and Cultural Center, Los Angeles, CA.
Clars Auctions
Feb. 08, 2024
Original 1980s Hand-Signed John Gutman Poster Women NYC
Est: $200 - $250
Gutman, John 1905 - 1998 John Gutman - Women 1933-1949 (Face Behind Veil) Photo/Offset 1981 20 x 14.5 in. (51 x 37 cm) Printer: no information Condition Details: (A) hand-signed in black pen by the artist at the lower right#USA #Photography #Signed by Artist
PosterConnection Inc.
Dec. 18, 2023
Selected Images
Est: $4,000 - $6,000
John Gutmann 1905 - 1998 3 gelatin silver prints, ferrotyped, comprising 'End of the Trail, Reno, Nevada,' 'Ham and Eggs', and 'NYC' (Mounted Policeman), each signed, titled and dated in pencil on the reverse, 2 framed, Fraenkel Gallery labels on the reverse, 1936-38 images to: 9½ by 7¾ in. (24.1 by 19.7 cm.) frames to: 18½ by 15½ in. (47 by 39.4 cm.)
Sotheby's
Dec. 18, 2023
Selected Images
Est: $4,000 - $6,000
John Gutmann 1905 - 1998 3 gelatin silver prints, comprising 'Lunch Hour, San Francisco,' 'Maintenance Worker Moving down on Main Cable of Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco,' and 'Looking from Ferryboat at Golden Gate with One Bridge Tower Completed, San Francisco,' each signed, titled and dated in pencil on the reverse, 1934-47, printed later images to: 10 by 10⅛ in. (25.4 by 25.7 cm.)
Sotheby's
Oct. 25, 2023
Switch to Dodge (Detroit)
Est: $5,000 - $7,000
John Gutmann 1905 - 1998 Switch to Dodge (Detroit) gelatin silver print, ferrotyped, signed in pencil on the reverse, framed, a Fraenkel Gallery label on the reverse, 1936 image: 2¼ by 2⅛ in. (5.7 by 5.4 cm.) frame: 10½ by 10½ in. (26.7 by 26.7 cm.)
Sotheby's
Oct. 25, 2023
'Man's Ruin Tattoo'
Est: $5,000 - $7,000
John Gutmann 1905 - 1998 'Man's Ruin Tattoo' gelatin silver print, ferrotyped, signed, titled, and dated in pencil on the reverse, framed, a Laurence Miller Gallery label on the reverse, 1945 image: 9½ by 7¾ in. (24.1 by 19.7 cm.) frame: 22 by 18 in. (55.9 by 45.7 cm.)
Sotheby's
May. 02, 2023
Chinese Playground, San Francisco
Est: $4,000 - $6,000
John Gutmann 1905 - 1998 Chinese Playground, San Francisco gelatin silver print, possibly ferrotyped, signed, initialed, dated, and annotated 'S. F.' in pencil on the reverse, framed, a Fraenkel Gallery label on the reverse, 1938 image: 2¼ by 2⅛ in. (5.7 by 5.4 cm.) frame: 10½ by 10½ in. (26.7 by 26.7 cm.)
Sotheby's
May. 02, 2023
'Lombard Street, San Francisco'
Est: $5,000 - $7,000
John Gutmann 1905 - 1998 'Lombard Street, San Francisco' gelatin silver print, mounted, signed in pencil on the mount, titled in pencil on the reverse, framed, a Fraenkel Gallery label on the reverse, 1937 image: 9½ by 7½ in. (24.1 by 19.1 cm.) frame: 21½ by 17½ in. (54.6 by 44.5 cm.)
Sotheby's
May. 02, 2023
Girlie Mags, San Francisco
Est: $4,000 - $6,000
John Gutmann 1905 - 1998 Girlie Mags, San Francisco gelatin silver print, possibly ferrotyped, signed in pencil on the reverse, framed, a Fraenkel Gallery label on the reverse, 1939 image: 2¼ by 2⅛ in. (5.7 by 5.4 cm.) frame: 10½ by 10½ in. (26.7 by 26.7 cm.)
Sotheby's
May. 02, 2023
Face Behind Veil
Est: $4,000 - $6,000
John Gutmann 1905 - 1998 Face Behind Veil gelatin silver print, possibly ferrotyped, framed, a Fraenkel Gallery label on the reverse, 1939 image: 2¼ by 2¼ in. (5.7 by 5.7 cm.) frame: 10½ by 10½ in. (26.7 by 26.7 cm.)
Sotheby's
Apr. 27, 2023
JOHN GUTMANN (1905-1998) Eat in Car * Auto Ferries.
Est: $2,000 - $3,000
JOHN GUTMANN (1905-1998) Eat in Car * Auto Ferries. Together, 2 photographs. Silver prints, the images measuring 7 1/2x8 inches (19x35.6 cm.) and 6 7/8x9 1/2 inches (17.5x24.1 cm.), the mounts 18x14 inches (45.7x20.3 cm.), each with Gutmann's signature in pencil on mount recto, the title and negative date in pencil on mount verso, and a Martin Z. Margulies Collection label with the artist's name, title, and negative and print dates, also on mount verso. 1934 and 1935; printed 1974 Provenance: Private Collection, United Kingdom
Swann Auction Galleries
Feb. 23, 2023
JOHN GUTMANN (1905-1998) Silk Hat Harry, The Only Coloured Juggler in San Francisco * The Chicken Pharmacy, Petaluma, California.
Est: $2,000 - $3,000
JOHN GUTMANN (1905-1998) Silk Hat Harry, The Only Coloured Juggler in San Francisco * The Chicken Pharmacy, Petaluma, California. Together, two silver prints, the images measuring 7½x8 inches (19.1x20.3 cm.) and 7¼x9½ inches (18.4x24.1 cm.), the sheets slightly larger, each with Gutmann's signature, title, and negative date in pencil on verso. 1938; printed before 1976
Swann Auction Galleries
Oct. 20, 2022
JOHN GUTMANN (1905-1998) The Fleet is In, San Francisco.
Est: $1,000 - $1,500
JOHN GUTMANN (1905-1998) The Fleet is In, San Francisco. Silver print, the image measuring 6 3/4x9 1/2 inches (17.1x24.1 cm.), the sheet slightly larger, with Gutmann's signature, title, and negative date in pencil on verso. 1934; printed 1980s
Swann Auction Galleries
Sep. 24, 2022
Original 1980s Hand-Signed John Gutman Poster Women NYC
Est: $350 - $500
Gutman, John 1905 - 1998 John Gutman - Women 191949 (Face Behind Veil) Photo/Offset 1981 20 x 14.5 in. (51 x 37 cm) Printer: no information Condition Details: (A) hand-signed in black pen by the artist at the lower right#USA #Photography
PosterConnection Inc.
Apr. 24, 2022
John Gutmann "Auto Ferries" Gelatin Silver Print
Est: $400 - $600
John Gutmann (German-American, 1905-1998) "Auto Ferries, Sausalito Exit, California," gelatin silver print, 1934, printed in 1974, signed in pencil on board mount, bearing Martin Z. Margulies Collection label with identifying information and further inscriptions in pencil on board reverse, unframed. Sheet: 6.75" H x 9.5" W. Provenance: Laurence Miller Gallery
Auctions at Showplace
Apr. 24, 2022
John Gutmann "Eat in Car" Gelatin Silver Print
Est: $400 - $600
John Gutmann (German-American, 1905-1998) "'Eat in Car' Early Drive-In Restaurant, Hollywood (187.10)," gelatin silver print, 1935, printed in 1974, signed in pencil on board mount, bearing Martin Z. Margulies Collection label with identifying information and further inscriptions in pencil on board reverse, unframed. Sheet: 7.5" H x 8" W. Provenance: Laurence Miller Gallery; reproduced in "The Restless Decade," p. 41.
Auctions at Showplace
Apr. 07, 2022
John Gutmann (1905-1998); High School Student Makes $2264 Annually by Raising Eating Chickens, Petaluma, CA;
Est: $1,000 - $1,500
John Gutmann (1905-1998) High School Student Makes $2264 Annually by Raising Eating Chickens, Petaluma, CA, 1938 Gelatin silver print, printed later, signed, titled and dated in pencil on the verso. 13 x 10in (33 x 25.9cm) sheet 14 x 11in (35.6 x 35cm) For further information on this lot please visit the Bonhams website
Bonhams
Jun. 20, 2021
John Gutmann "The Chicken Pharmacy" Gelatin Silver
Est: $400 - $600
John Gutmann (German-American, 1905-1998) "The Chicken Pharmacy, Petaluma, California," gelatin silver print, 1938, printed in 1974, signed on reverse, bearing San Francisco Museum of Art label on mat reverse, unframed. Sheet: 8" H x 8.75" W.
Auctions at Showplace
Jun. 20, 2021
John Gutmann "Silk Hat Harry" Gelatin Silver Print
Est: $400 - $600
John Gutmann (German-American, 1905-1998) "Silk Hat Harry, The Only Colored Juggler in San Francisco," gelatin silver print, 1938, printed in 1974, signed on reverse, bearing San Francisco Museum of Art label on mat reverse, unframed. Sheet: 8" H x 10" W. Provenance: From the Martin Z. Margulies collection, donated to New York Live Arts.
Auctions at Showplace
Jun. 16, 2021
Gutmann, John: Two Nudes Attracted
Est: €800 - €1,000
"Two Nudes Attracted". 1937/printed 1960s/70s. Gelatin silver print on strong ivory paper. 25,5 x 30,5 cm (27,6 x 35,2 cm). Signed, titled and dated by the photographer in pencil on the verso. - - Corners minimally bumped, otherwise a fine tonal print in excellent condition. - - Sollten Sie detailliertere Zustandsberichte wünschen, kontaktieren Sie uns bitte. / Should you need more detailed condition reports, please contact us.
Bassenge Auctions
May. 27, 2021
JOHN GUTMANN (1905-1998) Alfalfa Bill.
Est: $1,000 - $1,500
JOHN GUTMANN (1905-1998) Alfalfa Bill. Silver print, the image measuring 12 1/2x10 inches (31.8x25.4 cm.), with Gutmann's signature and the title, in pencil, in an unknown hand, on verso. Late 1930s
Swann Auction Galleries
Dec. 02, 2020
Gutman, John: Texas Car
Est: €800 - €1,000
"Texas Car". 1937/printed 1970s/80s. Gelatin silver print. 22,3 x 18,7 cm (25,3 x 20 cm). Signed, titled, dated and copyrighted by the photographer in pencil on the verso. Hinge-mounted in mat. - - A few minimal indentation spots in upper left, otherwise a fine tonal print in near excellent condition. - - Sollten Sie detailliertere Zustandsberichte wünschen, kontaktieren Sie uns bitte. / Should you need more detailed condition reports, please contact us.
Bassenge Auctions
Jan. 04, 2020
John Gutmann. Hindu Temple at Madras, 1945
Est: $1,200 - $1,800
John Gutmann, Hindu Temple at Madras, 1945. 10 x 8 gelatin silver print on double weight paper. Gutmann photographed in India while working with the U.S.Office of War Information psychological warfare team. A boy faces the statues, and they face him. The original snipe has “CISCO”, the Pix code for Gutmann’s photographs, as well as his PIX credit stamp.
Be-Hold
Jan. 04, 2020
John Gutmann. Hindu Temple at Madras
Est: $1,200 - $1,800
John Gutmann, Hindu Temple at Madras. 10 x 8 inch ferrotyped gelatin silver print on single weight paper, 1945. Gutmann photographed in India while working with the U.S. Office of War Information psychological warfare team. The original snipe has information about the temple. “The stone walls of the temple grounds are elaborately carved with legendary symbols of the Hindu religion A small boy crouches between the statues.” This is a good example of the richness that can be achieved with a good ferrotyped print. The snipe includes “CISCO”, the Pix code for Gutmann’s photographs, as well as his PIX credit stamp.
Be-Hold
Jan. 04, 2020
John Gutmann. Four architectural scenes, India, 1945
Est: $1,800 - $2,400
John Gutmann. Four architectural scenes, India, 1945. 10 x 8 gelatin silver prints. All have Gutmann’s PIX stamp and titles in pencil in his hand-- “Gateway Tower of Parthasavath Temple Madras,” “Brightly colored village idols in Misore,” “Detail of Hindu Temple,” “Basalt temple, one of the ‘Seven Pagodas’ at Mavalipuram, S. India.” One has the original snipe with information about Hindu temples at Madras. Gutmann photographed in India while working with the U.S. Office of War Information psychological warfare team.
Be-Hold
Jan. 04, 2020
John Gutmann. “Old Village Temple S. India.”
Est: $1,200 - $1,800
John Gutmann, “Old Village Temple S. India.” 10 x 8 ferrotyped gelatin silver print on single weight paper. Gutmann photographed in India while working with the U.S. Office of War Information psychological warfare team. The temple is framed by a tree. Two boys pose. Title in Gutmann’s hand, with his PIX credit stamp. Very slight bend in tree trunk, hardly visible. Upper right corner bumped. This is one of the best from this series.
Be-Hold
Jan. 04, 2020
John Gutmann. “South Indian Village Temple.” 1945
Est: $1,200 - $1,500
John Gutmann, “South Indian Village Temple.” 1945. 10 x 8 ferrotyped gelatin silver print, single weight paper. . A boy sits up on the carvings. At first he seems to be one of the carvings. Gutmann photographed in India while working with the U.S. Office of War Information psychological warfare team. Title in Gutmann’s hand. His PIX credit stamp. Crease in upper right corner, lower left corner slightly bent, small cut in left of bottom edge.
Be-Hold
Jan. 04, 2020
John Gutmann. Three portraits with architecture in India
Est: $1,800 - $2,400
John Gutmann. Three portraits with architecture in India. 10 x 8 gelatin silver prints, one ferrotyped on single weight paper. 1945. All have Gutmann's PIX stamp. And titles in pencil -- “Attendant of Shiva Temple, Madras,” “Jain Temple in Calcutta,””Old Village Temple, S. India,” “Boy beside the wooden wheel of a huge juggernaut Mysore Prov, S. India” Gutmann photographed in India while working with the U.S.Office of War Information psychological warfare team. [4] 3 for $1600
Be-Hold
Jan. 04, 2020
John Gutmann. 6 close portraits from India, 1945
Est: $3,200 - $3,500
John Gutmann (1905 – 1998), 6 close portraits from India, 1945. 10 x 8 inch gelatin silver prints, three of them ferrotyped on single weight paper. All have Gutmann’s PIX credit stamp, with titles in pencil in his hand—“Indian Woman,” “Father and Son, Bengal,” “Dock Workers, Calcutta.” “Untouchable old Gypsy woman resting in street Bangalore,” “Young man dressed as dancing girls at Durga festival, Dibrigarh, Assam, and “Indian Girl.” Gutmann photographed in India while working with the U.S. Office of War Information psychological warfare team. Vintage examples from this body of work are scarce.
Be-Hold
Jan. 04, 2020
John Gutmann. NYC street scene
Est: $2,000 - $2,500
John Gutmann. NYC street scene. Vintage ferrotyped gelatin silver print, 7 ¼ x 9 ¾ inches, on single weight paper.. It has the PIX credit stamp with the “Cisco,” code that PIX used to identify Gutmann’s photographs. The snipe reads—“A few horse and wagons which are still in use meet a parking problem” I wonder if the “White Star” on the wagon is Gutmann’s sly allusion to the BLACK STAR agency, a parallel agency to PIX, started in the 1930’s. Minor handling marks.
Be-Hold