Paris Match, the renowned French magazine known for its exceptional photojournalism, is celebrating its 75th anniversary by auctioning off a series of archival photos as NFTs. The auction, which begins today, will feature 75 Ethereum NFTs of iconic photos from the Paris Match archives. Each digital file will also come with a numbered and signed physical print of the same image, with starting bids for each photo beginning at 0.3 ETH, or approximately $1,062.
The photos being offered in today’s sale showcase cultural icons like The Rolling Stones, Jack Nicholson, Orson Welles, John Travolta, as well as important news events such as reports on the Berlin Wall, Harlem, and the Tour de France. Paris Match has partnered with photo NFT platform Focus Bloc and the NFT marketplace SuperRare for this auction, marking the magazine’s second venture into the world of NFTs after a successful sale in January 2023 of 120 one-of-one pieces. Emmanuel Daien, the founder of Focus Bloc, has been instrumental in helping Paris Match navigate the NFT space and has observed a mix of traditional photo collectors and crypto-native enthusiasts eager to own pieces of the magazine’s history.
Unlike their previous NFT sale, Paris Match has opted for an auction format this time around, as well as offering physical prints alongside the digital files. This move may appeal to traditional photo collectors who appreciate the tangible nature of physical prints. Owners of Paris Match NFTs will receive full digital license rights to the photos they own, while the magazine will retain all other rights associated with the images. This auction is a unique opportunity for collectors to own a piece of history from one of the most renowned photojournalism magazines in the world.
The decision to auction off archival photos as NFTs aligns with the current trend of digitizing physical assets and turning them into unique digital collectibles. NFTs offer a new way for artists and creators to monetize their work and connect with a global audience of collectors. Paris Match’s foray into the NFT space demonstrates the magazine’s willingness to adapt to the changing landscape of digital art and collectibles. By combining the traditional appeal of iconic photographs with the cutting-edge technology of NFTs, Paris Match is bridging the gap between past and future, attracting both traditional collectors and crypto enthusiasts.
The inclusion of iconic photos featuring cultural legends and historic events in the auction adds a nostalgic and historical value to the NFTs being offered. The images capture moments in time that hold significance for both the subjects and the viewers, making them valuable not just as collectibles but as pieces of art that tell a story. The collaboration between Paris Match, Focus Bloc, and SuperRare ensures that the auction will reach a wide audience of art and photo enthusiasts, further solidifying the magazine’s presence in the world of digital art and collectibles.
As Paris Match celebrates its 75th anniversary, the decision to auction off iconic archival photos as NFTs represents a forward-thinking approach to preserving and sharing the magazine’s rich history. By embracing new technologies and platforms, Paris Match is able to connect with a new generation of collectors while honoring its legacy as a premier source of photojournalism. The auction of these NFTs marks a significant milestone in the magazine’s journey into the digital age, offering collectors a unique opportunity to own a piece of history in a modern and innovative format.