#208 • Johnny Johnson "First Light", "Spirit of Denali" & "Autumn Passage" Photographs

Part of The Johnny Johnson Estate Auction (timed auction by Alaska Premier Auctions & Appraisals)

Starting at $5.00

Status: Available

Bidding closes Nov 3, 2026 7:09 PM AKST

Category: Art

Three signed and numbered photographs by Alaska wildlife photographer Johnny Johnson (1947-2025). The first work, "First Light", is dated circa 1995 and numbered 801/950. Johnson described the scene: "The first rays of morning light illuminate a bull caribou and the North face of Mt. McKinley, Denali National Park-Alaska. Up before dawn, I awaited sunrise at my favorite location above Wonder Lake near Ansel Adams Point. For over twenty years I have photographed Mt. McKinley. This mountain hardly ever disappoints me." The second work, "Autumn Passage", is dated circa 1993 and numbered 591/950. Johnson described the scene: "Four bull caribou migrate through the autumn tundra near Wonder Lake in Denali National Park. Fall comes early in Alaska. I composed this shot in late August when the tundra's miniature forest of dwarf birch and willow turns a brilliant red and yellow. Tucked up against a hillside - hidden from view - my wife and I sat quietly for the better part of an afternoon waiting for these four caribou to approach. Our patience was rewarded." The third work, "Spirit of Denali", is dated circa 1985 and numbered 845/950. Johnson described the scene: "After being out of print for over a decade, I have decided to release the remaining two hundred numbers of "Spirit of Denali". Taken with my 300mm lens near Thorofare Pass, I have always loved the power, color and sheer scale of this once-in-a-lifetime shot. The bull caribou is at about 4,000 feet in elevation approximately twenty miles from Mt. McKinley and almost 16,000 feet lower than the north peak (19,470). The south peak (true summit 20,320') is obscured by storm clouds. Climbers follow the Muldrow glacier (lower right) up Karstens Ridge (left of Great Harper glacier & icefall) to the summit. The temperature difference between the mountain's peak and this caribou could top 100 Fahrenheit." All three are signed, dated, and numbered in gold leaf ink and printed on Fuji Crystal Archive Supergloss paper. The photographs are shrink-wrapped on board; the larger measures approximately 20.5" x 24.5".