World War II
n.p., ca. 2011
"V-J Day in Times Square" Kissing Subjects 2x Signed Souvenir Photo!
Signed Photo

A black and white photograph after Alfred Eisenstaedt (1898-1995), "V-J Day In Times Square," signed and inscribed by the subjects of the iconic photograph: U.S. Navy sailor George Mendonsa (1923-2019), as "Times Square / V.J. Day 8-14-45 / USS the Sullivans / 1942-1946 / George Mendonsa / QM 1-C" in blue felt tip pen at lower right; and dental assistant Greta Zimmer Friedman (1924-2016), as "V.J. Day / N.Y. Times / Square / 8-14-45 / Best wishes, / Greta / Friedman" in black felt tip pen at lower left. Printed on Fujicolor glossy photo paper. A small thumbprint wrinkle at upper left, else near pristine. 8" x 10." The photograph is accompanied by an original transmittal envelope sent from Greta Friedman from her Frederick, Maryland address, postmarked October 21, 2011. Expected clerical markings, weathering, folds, and tears, else good. Unfolded measures 13" x 10."

Alfred Eisenstaedt was a German-born staff photographer for "Life" Magazine. He was loitering in Times Square with his Leica camera on August 14, 1945, looking at the crowds gathering there to hear President Harry S. Truman's announcement that the war with Japan was over. Eisenstaedt's photograph captured the moment a sailor from the "U.S.S. The Sullivans," George Mendonsa, joyfully embraced Greta Zimmer Friedman, a New York City dental assistant, in the throes of what she later described as "a jubilant act that he didn't have to go back?to the Pacific." The photographer explained the visual appeal of his iconic photograph in his memoirs, "The Eye of Eisenstaedt" (1969). "Now if this girl hadn't been a nurse, if she'd been dressed in dark clothes, I wouldn't have had a picture. The contrast between her white dress and the sailor's dark uniform gives the photograph its extra impact," Eisenstaedt wrote. More than 2,500 photos by Eisenstaedt including this one were featured in "Life" Magazine over Eisenstaedt's career.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

WE PROVIDE IN-HOUSE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE!
8" x 10"