2436/​30

Gaetano Faillace (b. New York 1904, d. North Carolina 1991, personal photographer General Douglas MacArthur)

An original b/w gelatin silver press photograph of the American general Douglas MacArthur (1880–1964) and Japan's emperor Hirohito (1901–1989) during their initial meeting at the American embassy in Tokyo on September 27, 1945. Present developing 1951. Back with editorial stamp, stamped publication date (partially smeared out: '... 1951') as well as a handwritten remark, 'San Francisco Treaty'. Fiber based photographic paper. Double glazing. Visible size 19×16 cm. Frame size 30×27 cm.

The fact that the first meeting between General Douglas MacArthur and Emperor Hirohito (September 27, 1945) took place on American ground - the US Tokyo embassy - and not in the surrounding Japan showed very clearly to the world, who was the victor of World War II and who was the defeated. Also MacArtur's choice of clothing, a relaxed battle dress, not dress uniform, was presumably intended to show that here was a man, who could do as he pleased. Furthermore, the casual way the general posed was interpreted as, if not disrespect then at least as something that none of Hirohito's subjects would ever dare. Immediately after the meeting the provisional Japanese government forbade any publication of the image. MacArthur, on his side, promptly responded by annulling the government's decree - a humiliation in itself - whereafter he ordered all Japanese newspapers to publish the photograph instantly! The San Francisco Treaty, mentioned on the back of the photograph, was the agreement that on September 8, 1951 formally ended World War II, ceased the American occupation of Japan and cemented that the country was no longer to be considered a major political power. The agreement drew much of its content from the UN Charter.

Condition

This is an original b/w press photograph from 1951, which has a slightly wavy surface, a minor surface damage (to the right of MacArthur's head), fine surface scratches and small stains. Back somewhat yellow and with smeared out stamp ink. Lower right corner of frame with minor chip (see image).

Auction

Paintings, furniture and varia, 2 September 2024

Category
Estimate

2,000–3,000 DKK

Sold

Price realised

1,200 DKK  

5 bids

When Bidder Bid
1,200 DKK
1,150 DKK
1,100 DKK
1,050 DKK
1,000 DKK