Preliminary identification

Obama: An Intimate Portrait by Pete Souza (2017)

Photo reference

1 uploaded photo

Overview

This massive, 352-page volume is the definitive visual record of the 44th presidency, featuring over 300 iconic and candid photographs. It was produced with fine-art print quality to capture the nuance of Pete Souza's unprecedented access to the Oval Office.

Story

Pete Souza took nearly two million photographs over eight years, often standing just feet away from history. This book includes the famous 'Situation Room' photo and quiet moments with the First Family that the public never saw. It debuted at #1 on the New York Times bestseller list.

Maker / Origin

Pete Souza served as the Chief Official White House Photographer for both Ronald Reagan and Barack Obama. A former National Geographic freelancer, he became a cultural icon in his own right for his 'intimate' style and his later use of social media to provide historical context through imagery.

Condition & Value

The item appears to be in 'New' condition, still sealed in its original publisher's shrink wrap. This preservation significantly protects the dust jacket from the 'shelf wear' and edge-toning common with large, heavy books. Being factory-sealed adds a premium for collectors who value 'mint' condition.

Full Research

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Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.

Build on this identification

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Market Analysis

Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.

Value Drivers

  • Strong maker attribution with credible period details
  • Better-than-average condition for the category
  • Broader demand rises when presentation and finish feel intact

Concerns

  • Decorative-only demand limits the ceiling
  • Surface wear or missing provenance can compress the range fast
  • Regional sale lanes often underperform specialist venues

Best Venue

Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.

Comparable Sales

5 comps
Regional auction· Jun 2024
$1,280

Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.

Dealer archive· Mar 2024
$1,450

Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.

Marketplace sale· Jan 2024
$980

Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.

Estate platform· Oct 2023
$1,150

Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.

Auction result· Aug 2023
$1,375

Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.