RICHARD AVEDON | 'Avedon/Paris', 1978

Portfolio with 11 silver prints, printed 1978. Each signed and numbered 60/75 in pencil and with the portfolio, copyright and individual title stamps on the reverse. Together with the printed plate list/colophon, within a wrapper as issued, signed and numbered 60/75 in pencil on the front, and the individual wrappers numbered sequentially 1 to 11 in pencil. Self-published, New York, 1978. With the original linen clamshell box with the photographer's name printed in red. Each print individually mounted and framed.

Christie's Paris, Photographies provent de la Fondation Richard Avedon, 20 November 2010, Lot 17
Private collection, UK

Fraenkel Gallery, Richard Avedon: Made in France, n.p.
Shanahan, Evidence 1944-1994: Richard Avedon, pp. 38, 48, 50-51, 129, 135

This complete set of 11 silver gelatin prints are in overall excellent condition. These works come beautifully framed, please contact the depatrment if you wish to see images of the frames as well.
"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."

This portfolio, Avedon/Paris, was put together in 1978 to celebrate Avedon's retrospective exhibition at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. The eleven images included, all taken in Paris between 1947 and 1957, are brilliant examples of the work the American photographer executed to elevate fashion photography into an art standpoint. The women portrayed in these photographs showcase the effortless glamour and playfulness that Avedon imagined for his models. He gave them evidence of being human, the urban woman, constantly on the go in a luxurious and sophisticated environment. As stated in his obituary published by The New York Times, "his fashion and portrait photographs helped define America's image of style, beauty and culture for the last half-century".