2440/​170

William P. Gottlieb (b. Brooklyn, New York City 1917, d. New York 2006, photographer, writer)

An original b/w gelatin silver press photograph of the American saxophonist Charlie 'Bird Parker (1920–1955). Photo shoot from Carnegie Hall, New York, 1947. Present development 1947–1955. Back with United Press International stamp, stamped publication date (March 17, 1955), return stamp and handwritten numbering and initials in red. Oak wood frame and double glazing. Visible size 24.5×20 cm. Frame size 32.5×28 cm.

Charlie Parker died on the evening of Saturday, March 12, 1955, while staying in the suite of English-born Baroness Kathleen Annie Pannonica ('Nica') de Koenigswarter (1913–1988) at the 'Hotel Stanhope', 995 Fifth Avenue, New York. At first, the sad news was kept hidden from the public, and it wasn't until March 14 that the American press learned of the sensational death. The doctor who performed the autopsy on Charlie Parker estimated that the deceased was in his mid-50s. His actual age was 34. Charlie Parker, who left behind a wife and three children, was living in Greenwich Village, Manhattan at the time of his death. The present photograph was probably used in one of the many newspaper obituaries published in the days following Charlie Parker's death.

Condition

Has yellowed slightly. Front with a few small areas with missing ferrotyping. A few pressure marks near the photograph's borders. Back with a few small stains. No further remarks.

Auction

Paintings, furniture and varia, 30 September 2024

Category
Estimate

6,000–8,000 DKK

Sold

Price realised

3,200 DKK  

2 bids

When Bidder Bid
3,200 DKK
3,000 DKK