William Gottlieb (American, 1917-2006)
Similar Sale History
Recommended Items
Item Details
Description
William Gottlieb
(American, 1917-2006)
"Sidney Bechet"
gelatin silver print
later imprint after 1947 image, signed and copyright-marked lower right, three artist's stamps en verso.
Unframed.
9-7/8" x 8"
I learned to shoot very carefully. I knew the music. I knew the musicians. I knew in advance when the right moment would arrive. It was purposeful shooting.
--William Gottlieb
The Brooklyn-born Gottlieb was a self-taught photographer whose images of golden age jazz performers such as Billie Holliday, Duke Ellington and Louis Armstrong permeated American culture. He photographed famed jazz soloist Sidney Bechet on several occasions and the image offered in this lot is perhaps the most famous.
Sidney Bechet was equally at home with the clarinet and the saxophone. Born in New Orleans to a middle class African American musical family, he began performing with his brothers while still a child, working with many of the city’s most accomplished jazz musicians. In his teens, Bechet traveled to Chicago and New York and eventually to Europe with the Southern Syncopated Orchestra. In 1925, as part of the infamous La Revue Negre, whose most famous member was Josephine Baker, Bechet traveled to Paris. While his experience in France was not without issue – he briefly spent time in a Paris jail – he discovered more acceptance, popularity, and personal freedom than he did in the United States. He was to spend much of his time in Europe and, in the early 1950s, Bechet emigrated to France permanently.
(American, 1917-2006)
"Sidney Bechet"
gelatin silver print
later imprint after 1947 image, signed and copyright-marked lower right, three artist's stamps en verso.
Unframed.
9-7/8" x 8"
I learned to shoot very carefully. I knew the music. I knew the musicians. I knew in advance when the right moment would arrive. It was purposeful shooting.
--William Gottlieb
The Brooklyn-born Gottlieb was a self-taught photographer whose images of golden age jazz performers such as Billie Holliday, Duke Ellington and Louis Armstrong permeated American culture. He photographed famed jazz soloist Sidney Bechet on several occasions and the image offered in this lot is perhaps the most famous.
Sidney Bechet was equally at home with the clarinet and the saxophone. Born in New Orleans to a middle class African American musical family, he began performing with his brothers while still a child, working with many of the city’s most accomplished jazz musicians. In his teens, Bechet traveled to Chicago and New York and eventually to Europe with the Southern Syncopated Orchestra. In 1925, as part of the infamous La Revue Negre, whose most famous member was Josephine Baker, Bechet traveled to Paris. While his experience in France was not without issue – he briefly spent time in a Paris jail – he discovered more acceptance, popularity, and personal freedom than he did in the United States. He was to spend much of his time in Europe and, in the early 1950s, Bechet emigrated to France permanently.
Condition
Small nicks along edges and in corners. Horizontal crease mid-left (palm and horn); loss upper right corner; crease upper center (wall).
New Orleans Auction Galleries is pleased to issue and opinion of any lot; the absence of a condition report does not indicate that a lot is perfect condition or free from damage and/or wear. Please understand that New Orleans Auction Galleries employs no professional conservators. All statements in any condition report, or statements taken verbally, are purely our best opinions, and not blanket statements of fact issued by this auction house. Prospective buyers should examine each lot so as to satisfy themselves concerning condition, genuineness, importance, age, etc. Regardless of any statements made in writing or verbally, all lots are sold strictly "As Is" in accordance with section 2 of our Conditions of Sale. No returns will be accepted on the basis of condition.
Buyer's Premium
- 30%
William Gottlieb (American, 1917-2006)
Estimate $800 - $1,200
9 bidders are watching this item.
Shipping & Pickup Options
Item located in New Orleans, LA, usShip with LiveAuctioneers
Local Pickup Available
Arrange Your Own Shipping
Payment
Accepts seamless payments through LiveAuctioneers
Related Searches
TOP