Details
HIROSHI SUGIMOTO (B. 1948)
Henry VIII, 2000
gelatin silver print, flush-mounted on board
signed in ink, credited, titled, dated and numbered '4 / 5' on affixed typed artist's label (frame backing board)
overall framed: 713⁄4 x 597⁄8 in. (182.2 x 152.1 cm.)
This work is number four from an edition of five.
Provenance
Acquired directly from the artist by Ileana Sonnabend;
by descent from the above to the late owner.
Literature
Exhibition Catalogue, Sugimoto Portraits, Guggenheim Museum Publications, New York, 2000, back cover.
Brought to you by

Lot Essay

The present lot, Henry VIII, is a large format print from Hiroshi Sugimoto's "Portraits" series, in which the artist photographed wax figures depicting historical, cultural, and political icons. Removed from their typical tourist environment and isolated against a black background, many of the figures in this widely acclaimed series are of figures who pre-date the invention of photography, immediately casting a curious spell on viewers confused by a photographic portrait. The artist used his typical large-format camera and professional portrait lighting inspired by the Renaissance period, adding a further air of realism to what is essentially fake. The resulting images as a series reflect Sugimoto's enduring fascination with time, perception, and the complex relationship between historical reality and its visual reconstruction. The work comes from the collection of Antonio Homem Sonnabend. Sonnabend Gallery’s program supported the avant-garde and conceptual art helping shape the course of Post-War collecting.

The collection

Related Articles

Sorry, we are unable to display this content. Please check your connection.

More from
Photographs
Place your bid Condition report

A Christie's specialist may contact you to discuss this lot or to notify you if the condition changes prior to the sale.

I confirm that I have read this Important Notice regarding Condition Reports and agree to its terms. View Condition Report