Edward Steichen
1920s
Cigarettes and matches

Gelatin silver print
9,9 x 9,2 cm
 
Van Ham Fine Art Auctions
Van Ham - Contemporary Photographs, Literature on Photography (June 14, 2008) Lot: 263
 
Inventory note of gallery Rudolf Kicken, Cologne in pencil on verso.
 
Literature: Edward Steichen. Selected Texts and Bibliography. Ed.: Ronald J. Gedrim. Oxford, England: Clio Press, 1996. Comp. fig. plate 4 p. 3.
 
This stillife was composed of cigarettes of the brand "Melachring, Cairo Egypte, Four.. du Clue…".
 
Paul Strand wrote in his article "Steichen and Commercial Art" in the magazine "The New Republic" (vol. 61, no. 794, 19 Feb. 1930, p. 21): "This indeed is a startlingly revolutionary prophetic argument, a real contribution to aesthetics. At last the long sought for, much needed measuring stick: great art seeks to destroy or tie up with big business…the passionate penetration of life gleaming on, the billboard of the young Adonis who would walk a mile for a Camel!…those profound and moving songs which celebrate the major tragedies of "B.O." or the infinite pathos of 'No Sex Appeal'.".
 
Provenance: Gallery Rudolf Kicken, Cologne.
 
LL/29199