A portfolio of photographs by Roy DeCarava is expected to bring $50,000-70,000 at Swann Auction Galleries in New York on October 17.

The lot consists of 12 photogravures numbered 35 of an edition of 50, each of which is signed and dated by the artist.

DeCarava's works capture the spirit of Harlem

DeCarava (1919-2009) photographed everyday life in his birthplace of Harlem, New York for many years.

He went on to receive acclaim for his delicately shot works, starring in a number of solo shows and becoming the first African American photographer to receive a Guggenheim Fellowship.

He explained: "I want to photograph Harlem through the Negro people.

"Morning, noon, night, at work, going to work, coming home from work, at play, in the streets, talking, laughing, in the home, in the playgrounds, in the schools, bars, stores, libraries, beauty parlors, churches…"

DeCarava's auction record stands at $80,500 - set for another selection of 12 photogravures at Phillips New York in 2012.

A Neil Selkirk print of Diane Arbus' iconic Man in Curlers is valued at $25,000-35,000.

The shot was taken in New York in 1965, during the pre-Stonewall era when homosexuality was still criminalised in America.

Selkirk was a close friend of Diane Arbus and the only person permitted to print from her negatives. An original print of the work by Arbus made $198,400 in a 2004 sale.

You can take a look at our fascinating selection of art and photography memorabilia here.

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