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René Burri (b. Zürich 1933, d. s.p. 2014)

René Burri: 'Che Guevara's hands'. An original b/w press or propaganda photograph of the Argentinian born revolutionary leader Ernesto 'Che' Guevara (1928–1967) during his stay in Cuba in the early 1960s. Varnished surface. Back indistinctly stamped 'Agencia de Informacion Nacional - Cuba'. Furthermore inscribed 'Che Guevara's hands'. Double glazing. Visible size 13×19 cm. Frame size 23×28 cm.

Two highly characteristic things can be observed in this detailed study of Che Guevara's hands, namely the Cuban 'Montecristo No. 4' cigar, which he preferred over all other cigars, as well as the Rolex GMT-Master, reference 1675, that he had received as a present from Fidel Castro shortly after the model was introduced in 1959.

Not infrequently older photographs turn discoloured In the tropical belt due to the influence of long term extreme humidity. People sometimes seek to counteract this phenomenon by varnishing the surfaces of the photographs, either initially or later. Part of a collection of approx. 200 René Burri press or propaganda photographs, which were acquired in Cuba in the late 1990s.

Condition

This is an original b/w press photograph from the early 1960s, which shows four creased corners as well as minor edge fractures. Furthermore a few minor scratches. Backside stamp very blurred. Front and back have yellowed severely. Varnished surface, this presumably of a later date.

Auction

Paintings, furniture and varia, 2 September 2024

Category
Estimate

2,000–3,000 DKK

Sold

Price realised

4,800 DKK  

35 bids

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