Updated on:12/06/2025 05:22 PM 
Renowned Canadian photographer Andrew Miller has unveiled a groundbreaking auction featuring the inaugural professional and previously unreleased portrait of Ethereum visionary Vitalik Buterin, now transformed into a unique NFT digital collectible. This extraordinary offering perfectly aligns with the momentous 10th anniversary of Ethereum's conceptualization, celebrating the open-source, decentralized blockchain platform that has revolutionized the digital landscape through its pioneering smart contract capabilities.
The exclusive bidding event is scheduled to launch on July 1st and conclude on July 30th through the prestigious Manifold.xyz marketplace, presenting an unparalleled opportunity for blockchain enthusiasts and astute collectors to acquire a tangible piece of Ethereum's evolutionary journey. Opening bids for this historically significant digital artifact begin at 333 ETH.
In an exclusive interview with CryptoSlate, Miller illuminated the compelling narrative behind this iconic photographic work:
The year 2014 marked a pivotal moment when the 19-year-old Buterin captivated Miller with his forward-thinking vision for a decentralized digital future. Profoundly inspired by the young innovator's extraordinary potential, Miller meticulously crafted a series of portraits that would ultimately shape Buterin's public persona and become intrinsically linked to Ethereum's identity.
For Miller, these transcended conventional portraiture to document a remarkable metamorphosis. "Initially, Buterin projected an introverted, socially awkward demeanor," Miller recalled, "yet an unmistakable brilliance radiated from him as he articulated his Ethereum vision. During these moments of discussing blockchain's potential, his posture would transform—shoulders straightening, chin elevating—revealing the confident leader destined to transform the cryptocurrency landscape."
The photographer emphasized the profound significance of this auction beyond its monetary value. "This NFT represents more than a digital asset; it encapsulates Ethereum's extraordinary evolution and embodies the collective dedication that propelled blockchain technology from concept to global phenomenon," Miller explained.
Over the years, these iconic images have become synonymous with Buterin's public identity, widely featured in media coverage, meme culture, and countless derivative artworks. They continue to reinforce the trust and recognition that have established Ethereum as the premier smart contract platform in the blockchain ecosystem. As the digital asset landscape continues to mature, the auction of this culturally significant piece is anticipated to generate substantial interest across the crypto community, from individual collectors to institutional investors.
