Ethereum’s Genesis Captured: Vitalik Buterin’s First Professional Portrait to be Auctioned as NFT

• A 2014 portrait of Ethereum founder, Vitalik Buterin, captured by celebrated photographer Andrew Miller, is being auctioned as an NFT.
• The auction, starting at 333 ETH, offers a unique opportunity to secure a piece of Ethereum’s early history.

A Glimpse into Ethereum’s Past: Vitalik Buterin’s Historic Portrait NFT

Esteemed Canadian photographer Andrew Miller is auctioning off an NFT of his never-before-sold, first professional portrait of Vitalik Buterin, the founder of Ethereum. The timing of the auction aligns with the 10th anniversary of the Ethereum concept, a decentralized, open-source blockchain recognized worldwide for its pioneering smart contract functionality.

The auction, scheduled to run from July 1st through July 30th on Manifold.xyz, provides collectors with an exclusive chance to own a piece of Ethereum’s foundational narrative.

The Man Behind the Lens

In a conversation with CryptoSlate, Miller unveiled the backstory that frames this historic photograph.

“THIS AUCTION IS AN EFFORT TO UPDATE AND COMMEMORATE ETHEREUM’S HISTORY, WHICH DIDN’T ACKNOWLEDGE THAT I CREATED THESE ICONIC PORTRAITS,”

he said.

In 2014, Miller was captivated by the potential he discerned in a 19-year-old Buterin’s vision of a decentralized future. This led him to create a series of portraits that would significantly contribute to Ethereum’s public image and perception.

Miller conveyed his experience of capturing these pivotal moments, saying,

“HE PRESENTED AS A SHY AND SOCIALLY NAIVE TEEN, BUT THERE WAS AN INTRIGUING SPARK ABOUT HIM… AS HE SPOKE ABOUT A FUTURE THAT INCLUDED HIS IDEA OF ETHEREUM, HIS STOOPED POSTURE STRAIGHTENED WHILE HIS CHIN TILTED UPWARDS.”

These portraits, in Miller’s view, encapsulate more than just a visual representation of Buterin. They illustrate a critical transformation, both for Buterin and for the Ethereum platform.

The starting bid for the auction has been set at a substantial 333 ETH. However, Miller emphasized that the auction isn’t just about procuring a high-value NFT. Instead, the portrait symbolizes Ethereum’s impressive journey and the collective effort that has contributed to its success.

These portraits, now synonymous with Buterin, have taken on iconic status in media, memes, and derivative art, continually bolstering trust and recognition for Ethereum. As Ethereum stands today as a leading smart contract platform, this auction of a significant NFT is set to spark interest from crypto enthusiasts, traders, and institutions worldwide.

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