Lot 212
  • 212

JOSEF KOUDELKA | Zehra (Gypsy Family)

Estimate
25,000 - 35,000 USD
bidding is closed

Description

  • Josef Koudelka
  • Zehra (Gypsy Family)
  • 12 7/8  by 8 1/2  in. (32.7 by 21.6 cm.)
ferrotyped, signed and annotated 'printed 1968' in pencil on the reverse, 1967, printed in 1968

Provenance

Acquired from the photographer

Literature

Koudelka/Gypsies (New York, 1975), unpaginated Matthew S. Witkovsky, Josef Koudelka: Nationality Doubtful (Chicago, 2014), pl. 50a

Condition

This early print is in generally excellent condition. As is typical of ferrotyped prints, superficial surface scratches, fingerprints, and occasional pitting are visible upon close examination in raking light. There is a tiny rust-colored deposit and a few minor black deposits, possibly ink, in the margins. There is a 1/2-inch crease at the center left margin edge. The margin edges and corners are gently worn overall with a very small chip at the lower edge. There is a very minor streak of soiling on the reverse.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Catalogue Note

This print of Zehra (Gypsy Family) was made in 1968 while Josef Koudelka was preparing to publish a book of his Cikáni (Gypsies) photographs.  He had shown the photographs in Prague the previous year in Josef Koudelka: Cikáni, an exhibition at Theatre Divadlo za branou.  After fleeing Czechoslovakia and seeking political asylum in Great Britain, Koudelka published Gitans (The Gypsies) in 1975 in collaboration with the French publisher Robert Delpire.  Prints of this image are rare.  At the time of this writing, no other print of this image is believed to have appeared at auction.  Another early, ferrotyped print of this image was donated by the photographer to the Museum of Decorative Arts, Prague, where it was recently included in the retrospective Koudelka: Returning.