Lot 154
  • 154

Josef Koudelka

Estimate
25,000 - 35,000 EUR
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Description

  • Josef Koudelka
  • Gypsy, Kladno, Czechoslovakia, 1966
  • photograph
Vintage silver print. On the reverse, signed in pencil.

Provenance

Howard Greenberg Gallery, New York

Literature

Koudelka: Nationality Doubtful, exhib. cat., Chicago, Art Institute of Chicago, 2014, pl. 44.

Condition

This vintage silver print on a single weight paper is in overall very good to excellent condition. All four courners and the upper edge slightly worn. Very light discoloration in the margins through the left corner into the image. Upon closer inspection; approx. 3 cm along the left edge in the lower left quadrant, a very light crease visible under 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."

Catalogue Note

Josef Koudelka is one of the most influential photographer and reporter of his generation. The first large project he overtook was to photograph the Roma society between 1962 and 1971. This image was in Koudelka's first selection for his exhibition "Cikáni" (Gypsies) in 1968.

This reportage became one of the most internationally acclaimed works by Koudelka with more than 12 exhibitions dedicated solely to this series and the monographic book Gypsies published by Delpire, which is in its 7th edition today. Significant exhibitions of his Koudelka's work have been held at the Museum of Modern Art and the International Center of Photography, New York, the Stedelijk Museum of Modern Art, Amsterdam and the Palais de Tokyo, Paris.

Like in the case of this violin musician, several remarkable images from the Gypsies series were focused on musicians. Music was what initially drew Koudelka to this community. He played himself violin and accordion and used this to introduce himself with the intent to record musicians and their families.

This remarkable print with is extreme density, is how the photographer first intended his work to be printed. Vintage prints by Koudelka are very rare to come up at auction. This image has never been up at auction and there has only been two comparable vintage works for sale in recent auction history.

Quote:

"His work is a splendor in its sensitivity for strength and honesty" Henri Cartier-Bresson

© Josef Koudelka/Magnum Photos