EDWARD STEICHEN PORTRAIT CHAPLIN (Charles, 1889-1977, Comedian)

Exceptional Signed Portrait Photograph by Edward STEICHEN (1879-1973), signed and inscribed to R.A.J. Wolling "from Charlie Chaplin" on two lines across the image, mostly in the light background, showing him head and shoulders, the shoulders in near profile to the viewer's right, his head turned slightly forward, three quarter face to the viewer, a warm smile just forming in his eyes, cheeks and lips, a few touches of grey in his hair, he wears a dark jacket with thin stripes at the collar, a lighter tie, his left arm descending diagonally at the back of the image, the image 9" x 7" in margins 10" x 8" on contemporary light card mount 14" x 10¾" with photographer's light protective 'flimsy', no place, no date, circa flimsy loose with a few small edge defects, photo and mount in fine condition

This portrait dates from Steichen's 'Condé Nast' period, when he made artistic studies for Vogue and Vanity Fair. It bears an astonishing resemblance to the image, part of the Steichen Bequest, in the Minneapolis Institute of Arts. There is no perceptible difference in the pose, the angle of the head, or the contours of the hair, but the Minneapolis image has no smile and indeed by contrast appears serious, almost severe, although clearly taken at the same sitting. We do not think the smile has been achieved by retouching, and its warmth appears entirely natural, indeed most attractive.

Item Date:  1925

Stock No:  55617     

                


CHAPLIN-55617-1.jpg

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