Alfred Eisenstaedt (American, 1898-1995) René Breguet, Ice Skating Waiter, St. Moritz

Description:

Alfred Eisenstaedt (American, 1898-1995)

René Breguet, Ice Skating Waiter, St. Moritz, 1932, printed later. Signed "Eisenstaedt" in black ink below the image l.r., inscribed with annotated title in black ink on the verso, stamped "PHOTO BY/ALFRED EISENSTAEDT" in black ink on the verso at center. Gelatin silver print, image size 17 1/2 x 13 3/8 in. (44.4 x 34.0 cm),unmatted, unframed.
Condition: Scattered handling crimps, especially at c.l. and c.r., minor soiling on the verso.

Provenance: From the artist to William E. Marks, Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts.

N.B. German-born photographer Alfred Eisenstaedt worked as a freelance photojournalist before devoting himself full time to photography in 1929. His camera of choice was a hand-held 35-mm Leica, which allowed him to make candid portraits and capture spontaneous moments as demonstrated by this image, taken at a school for waiters in St. Moritz, Switzerland, depicting a headwaiter in formal attire ice-skating with a full tray of glasses. After immigrating to the United States in 1935, Eisenstaedt was hired by LIFE magazine which debuted in 1936. Over the course of his 35 year career with the magazine, he produced over 2,500 picture stories and 90 covers.
Estimate $5,000-7,000

Sheet measures 20 x 16 in. (50.8 x 40.7 cm). As reflected in the condition, this well-loved print was in the photographer's collection before before being gifted to the current owner. There are significant handling crimps at c.l. and c.r. Crimp in sheet at u.c. Horizontal crease at c.r. approximately 2 in. into the white area of the image. Crease in u.r. edge of sheet. Slight breaks in the emulsion at more pronounced crimps/creases.


The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging. Condition requests can be obtained via email (lot inquiry button) or by telephone to the appropriate gallery location (Boston/617.350.5400 or Marlborough/508.970.3000). Any condition statement given, as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Skinner Inc. shall have no responsibility for any error or omission.

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