Page 99 - Swann Galleries - Fine Photographs - Sale 2304 - February 26, 2013

87 ● KARSH,YOUSUF (1908-2002)
Winston Churchill. Silver print, 193/4x15 3/4 inches (50.2x40 cm.), with Karsh’s signature, in ink, on
mount recto, and his Photograph byYousuf Karsh hand stamp with the subject’s name and date, in
pencil, in an unknown hand, on mount verso. 1941; printed 1980s [6,000/9,000]
This image brought Karsh international prominence and,based on his writings about the sitting,changed Karsh’s
life.After being given reluctant permission by Churchill to shoot only one frame, Karsh is said to have timidly
plucked the ever-present cigar from Churchill’s mouth and quickly snapped the ensuing photograph of the Prime
Minister ready to devour the cheeky photographer. It is reputed to be the most reproduced portrait of Churchill.
Yousuf Karsh: Portraits of Greatness, 45.