Dale W. Stulz ’73

Dale died July 6, 2022, in Hawthorne, Calif. Originally from North Carolina, for most of his adult life Dale lived in New York or Los Angeles.

While at Princeton, Dale majored in art history and participated in a new nine-person undergraduate museum-training program. Dale’s senior thesis was part of the catalog and exhibition at the Princeton Art Museum titled “Problems of Authenticity in Nineteenth and Twentieth Century Art.” He wrote about fakes and forgeries attributed to Modigliani, Matisse, and their followers.

After graduation, Dale’s monumental career in fine-art photography spanned nearly 50 years. Initially, he worked in several renowned galleries with a focus on fine-art photography and started the photography department at Christie’s Auction House. He played a foundational role in the history and development of the photo market.

Starting in 1985, Dale worked as a photography appraiser and was widely considered the leading appraiser for vintage fine-art photography. He worked for numerous private collectors and museums. His significant projects included the estates of Andy Warhol, Richard Avedon, and Robert Mapplethorpe among many others.

An inveterate world traveler, Dale was a bon vivant and convivial spirit who was quick to laugh. He knew the best restaurants and hotels throughout all 50 states and Europe, as well as the best airport lounges worldwide. His standards were exceedingly high. For those lucky enough to meet those standards halfway, he was a loyal, thoughtful friend and wise counselor. He will be missed, mourned — and celebrated.

The Class of 1973 offers its condolences to Dale’s friends and family.