The October “Sotheby’s print and photographic auction” features two standout pieces attracting attention beyond their high valuations. Among them is the “1936 migrant mother print,” an exceptionally early print of Dorothea Lange’s iconic “Migrant Mother.” This powerful image, captured in March 1936, documents Florence Owens Thompson amid the Great Depression, embodying the era’s hardship. The print, believed to be made between 1936 and 1937, showcases a critical, yet rarely seen, credit stamp from the Resettlement Administration and Thompson’s thumb—a distinctive feature removed in later prints.
The Significance of the Historic Photograph
The photograph arises from a critical moment when Lange, tasked with documenting migrant workers by the Resettlement Administration, captured the enduring symbol of American resilience using her 4 x 5-inch Graflex camera. This early print, published shortly thereafter by the San Francisco News, rapidly gained recognition, illustrating the grim realities of migrant workers and questioning what the New Deal promised families like Thompson’s. The photograph’s historical impact and rarity place its auction estimate between $100,000 and $150,000.
For more on historic visual narratives, explore how John Baer’s postwar legacy was unearthed from thousands of unpublished negatives.
This piece is not just a visual artifact; it represents a historic moment, embodying the struggles of countless families. Its significance is matched only by its scarcity, further elevating its value at auction. This historic photograph has resonated through decades, symbolizing the plight and perseverance of Americans during the Great Depression.
Another notable piece is Hiroshi Sugimoto’s “Radio City Music Hall, New York,” from his acclaimed Theaters series. This photograph compresses an entire film’s projection into a single long exposure, capturing the Art Deco venue’s intricate details. With its large size and being the first of only five prints ever made, this piece is especially rare and compelling.
Sugimoto’s work transforms the theater experience by erasing the audience, leaving a ghostly imprint of light and architecture. It vividly highlights the venue’s grandeur with rhythmic aisle lighting leading to a glowing screen, offering a unique perspective of this legendary space.
To delve further into iconic visual transformations, check out how Adelene Koh transforms hidden book elements into stunning sculptures.
These masterpieces, including the iconic photograph of Florence Owens Thompson, headline a diverse array of fascinating works in Sotheby’s October auction, accessible for viewing through their official website.
Source: petapixel.com
Frequently asked questions
What is significant about Dorothea Lange’s ‘Migrant Mother’ print?
The ‘Migrant Mother’ print is significant because it is an exceptionally early print of Dorothea Lange’s iconic photograph, believed to be made between 1936 and 1937. It features a rarely seen credit stamp from the Resettlement Administration and includes Florence Owens Thompson’s thumb, a distinctive feature removed in later prints.
How does the ‘Migrant Mother’ photograph capture the Great Depression?
The photograph captures the Great Depression by documenting Florence Owens Thompson amid the challenging conditions of the era. It serves as an enduring symbol of American resilience, illustrating the grim realities faced by migrant workers and questioning the promises of the New Deal.
What is the auction estimate for the ‘Migrant Mother’ print?
The auction estimate for the ‘Migrant Mother’ print is between $100,000 and $150,000. Its historical impact and rarity contribute to its high valuation.