Lot 16
  • 16

HORST P. HORST | Gabrielle ('Coco') Chanel

Estimate
6,000 - 9,000 USD
Log in to view results
bidding is closed

Description

  • Horst P. Horst
  • Gabrielle ('Coco') Chanel
  • Inscribed on the image
  • Gelatin silver print
  • 9 by 6 5/8  in. (22.9 by 16.8 cm.) 
signed and inscribed ‘très amicalement / Gabrielle Chanel’ by the sitter in ink on the image, stamped on the reverse, 1937, printed no later than circa 1955

Provenance

Gift of Gabrielle 'Coco' Chanel to Bettina McNulty, 1955Sotheby's New York, 28 April 2004, Sale 7987, Lot 218

Literature

cf. Horst: Sixty Years of Photography (New York, 1996), pl. 2

Condition

This photograph is on double-weight, slightly pebble-textured paper with a light sheen. It is in generally very good condition. Deposits of original retouching are visible when examined in raking light. There is a 1/4-inch tear at the upper edge which extends very slightly into the image. There is some edge wear and creases in the lower corners.There are tape remnants at the upper corners on the reverse. The stamp on the reverse reads '311 SB 955.' 'Gabrielle Chanel / She gave to me in Spring of 54' is written faintly in pencil, presumably by Bettina McNulty.
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

The photograph offered here is from a series of images made by Horst for American Vogue in 1937, a sitting that produced the portraits Chanel described as her favorites.Bettina McNulty worked in New York for Vogue in the 1940s, then moved to Paris in the 1950s, where she worked in fashion publicity.  In connection with her work for a fabrics manufacturer, McNulty became acquainted with Chanel, who gave her a suit from the Chanel collection and herself fitted it for McNulty.  The present photograph was given to McNulty by Chanel.  Upon moving to London in the 1960s, McNulty continued her career as a contributing editor for both British Vogue and American House & Garden magazines.