Description:

ORIGINAL YOUSUF KARSH PHOTOGRAPH OF WINSTON CHURCHILL
A superb original photograph of Winston Churchill by Armenian-born Canadian photographer YOUSUF KARSH (1908-2002), one of the most famous and accomplished portrait photographers of all time. This imposing image photograph measures 7" x 9" [sight] and was taken on Dec. 30, 1941, showing a stern Churchill with cane in hand after giving a speech to the Canadian House of Commons in Ottawa. Karsh, no stranger to dealing with finicky celebrities and obstreperous leaders, had researched Churchill thoroughly before he was seated in the chair. However Churchill was a supremely reluctant model: he was angry at not having been informed he was to be photographed and allegedly snapped at the photographer: "You have two minutes. And that's it, two minutes". After the outburst, Churchill stubbornly put a cigar in his mouth. Karsh recounted: "I stepped toward him and without premeditation, but ever so respectfully, I said, 'Forgive me, Sir' and plucked the cigar out of his mouth. By the time I got back to my camera, he looked so belligerent he could have devoured me. It was at that instant I took the photograph. The silence was deafening. Then Mr. Churchill, smiling benignly, said, 'You may take another one.' He walked toward me, shook my hand and said, 'You can even make a roaring lion stand still to be photographed'". Indeed another image from this shoot captures the bemused leader after having been derailed by Karsh's bold step. This portrait - featured on the cover of Life Magazine - catapulted Karsh to fame and established his reputation. It is claimed to be the most reproduced image of the twentieth-century. Boldly signed in white ink at lower right corner: "c. Y. Karsh Ottawa". Matted and framed. Fine condition, not examined out of frame.

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May 9, 2012 11:00 AM EDT
Stamford, CT, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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