Nicolas Tikhomiroff

84 silver prints, printed 1960s. 51 with the photographer's stamp, among which 12 annotated with actors' names in blue pen J. Moreau, Perkins, Welles, Martinelli, Holtzmann on the reverse. 33 prints with the copyright 'Visa-Distribution' stamp, among which 8 with the photographer's typewritten label on the reverse.

Gift from Orson Welles to L. Fritz Gruber, Cologne
Private European Collection

These 84 silver prints are in very good to excellent condition. Main condition issues are : corners slightly worn and very rarely with folds, random light scratches visible in raking light only.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Tikhomiroff joined the prestigious Magnum agency in 1959 and completed numerous photo stories on subjects such as the Algerian War, Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos. He contributed to an important Magnum project on World Cinema and met Orson Welles, Federico Fellini, Luchino Visconti and many others. He developed a close friendship with Welles while photographing the filming of The Trial and Falstaff.

During a chance meeting between L. Fritz Gruber, Man Ray, Orson Welles and Romy Schneider, the director asked Man Ray and Gruber to promote his next film.  The project however was not continued and Welles gave the group of photographs of the filming to Gruber.

The Trial, an adaption of the novel by Frank Kafka, was directed by Orson Welles and released in 1962. The dark unease and anxiety which is prevalent throughout the film is evident of Kafka’s influence on Tikhomiroff. The work is an important documentation of this celebrated film and the careers of actors such as Orson Welles, Anthony Perkins, Romy Schneider, Jeanne Moreau, Elsa Martinelli and Thomas Holtzmann among others.  This lot includes all the genres of cinema photography. The on set photographs gives us behind the scenes access to the actors, cameras, lights and scenery, whilst the photographs of the filming allows the photographer to adopt the role of the film camera itself to capture film stills.