23. Philippe Halsman
Fernandel
Starting Bid: $900
Reserve not met
Estimate:
$1,100 - $1,400
Ended
Timed Auction
Evolution of Photography
ARTIST
Philippe Halsman
Location
New Jersey
Size
Image: 10 x 12 in.; Sheet: 11 x 14 in.
Description
Circa 1948
Portrait of Fernandel - the iconic French actor.
In New York in 1948, photographer Philippe Halsman had a chance meeting with Fernandel, a French movie star from the vaudeville tradition, and asked the actor to participate in a completely original photographic experiment. Halsman would ask Fernandel questions about America to which he would respond using only facial expressions. With his wide, loveable horse-face, Fernandel mimicked the answers to such questions as "Does the average Frenchman still pinch pretty girls in a crowd?" (silly grin) and "What was your reaction to the great American game of baseball?" (perplexed).
This particular pose is a reaction to the question "Peter Minuit bought Manhattan for 24 dollars. Do you think he got conned?" This print is rarely available since it was only part of the extended version of the series, and will be of particular interest to a collector who has other works from this shoot.
Paper size 11 x 14 in.
Image size 10 x 12 in.
Unsigned artist proof from original batch
* This amount excludes shipping fees, applicable taxes, and will have a 20% Buyer's Premium.
Portrait of Fernandel - the iconic French actor.
In New York in 1948, photographer Philippe Halsman had a chance meeting with Fernandel, a French movie star from the vaudeville tradition, and asked the actor to participate in a completely original photographic experiment. Halsman would ask Fernandel questions about America to which he would respond using only facial expressions. With his wide, loveable horse-face, Fernandel mimicked the answers to such questions as "Does the average Frenchman still pinch pretty girls in a crowd?" (silly grin) and "What was your reaction to the great American game of baseball?" (perplexed).
This particular pose is a reaction to the question "Peter Minuit bought Manhattan for 24 dollars. Do you think he got conned?" This print is rarely available since it was only part of the extended version of the series, and will be of particular interest to a collector who has other works from this shoot.
Paper size 11 x 14 in.
Image size 10 x 12 in.
Unsigned artist proof from original batch
* This amount excludes shipping fees, applicable taxes, and will have a 20% Buyer's Premium.
Condition
Unframed, excellent condition
Medium
Vintage Silver Print
Signature
Unsigned proof
