Peter Hujar
1979
Leg--Paul H

Silver print
14 7/8 x 14 3/4 ins (37.8 x 37.5 cm) (image)
 
Swann Galleries - New York
21 February 2019, Photographs: Art & Visual Culture, Auction: 2499, Lot: 222
 
Although this image is sometimes identified as "Paul Thek's leg, shot in Hujar's studio," the subject is actually Paul Hudson. According to the Hujar Archive, this print may be unique.
 
In correspondence with the Hujar Archive, an explanation of the photographer's creative approach to "editioning" his prints is explained: "Peter never completed a full edition of any of his images. He frequently would note that he had considered making a full numbered edition and sometimes used a stamp saying that there was to be an edition of fifteen, or as in the case of 'Paul H's Leg' he would simply number 4/15. The notation is meaningless. It signifies nothing more than that he liked the picture and was satisfied with it. He always began these non-existent editions with 4/15, thinking that if there was demand (which there never was) he would make better prints and call 3/15, or 2/15. The likelihood is that the print [of Paul H.'s Leg] in your possession, was the first acceptable print he made."
 
LL/87215