Lot 52
  • 52

Henri Cartier-Bresson

Estimate
8,000 - 12,000 GBP
Log in to view results
bidding is closed

Description

  • Henri Cartier-Bresson
  • 'Dessau, April', 1945
  • Signed, blindstamped
    HCB Fondation stamp on verso.
  • Gelatin silver print
  • Image: 23.9 x 35.5 cm / Paper: 30.3 x 40.3 cm
Silver print, printed later. Signed in ink in the lower margin. With the estate stamp on the reverse.

Provenance

100 photographies provenant de la Fondation Henri Cartier-Bresson, Christie's Paris, November 11th, 2011, Lot 91

Literature

Henri Cartier-Bresson, Scrap Book, Photographies 1932–1946, Steidl, Göttingen 2006, p. 228, ill. 288;
Clément Chéroux, Henri Cartier-Bresson, cat. exh., Paris, Centre Pompidou, 2014, ill. pl. 205; 
Jean-Pierre Montier, Henri Cartier-Bresson, Seine Kunst - Sein Leben, Munich, 1997, ill. p. 158, ill. 151;
Garry Badger (ed.), Magnum in motion, photographers and the moving image, Berlin, 2006, ill. p. 32

Condition

This print is in overall very good condition. With some light retouching marks across the print, only visible in raking light. With a slightly softened upper left corner. The print has been adhered to the mount with tape along the top edge on the reverse.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Catalogue Note

Cartier-Bresson’s World War Two photography is testament not only to his remarkable skill at capturing the effects of extreme conflict on everyday life, but also his ability to maintain creativity and drive in adversity. Escaping a prisoner-of-war camp in 1945, Cartier-Bresson joined the underground French photographic unit that closely documented the German occupation. That same year he captured some poignant images at Dessau transit camp, which helped refugees, political prisoners and displaced people. One such brilliantly timed photograph was Dessau, 1945, which illustrates the moment a former Gestapo informer is identified.