Viewing photographs online or in print provides one level of appreciation, but there’s something uniquely compelling about holding and displaying original, historical photos. Our forthcoming Photo Legends auction elevates this experience, presenting authentic photographs of pivotal figures from music, sports, cinema, and history. This exclusive collection features iconic personalities such as Mickey Mantle, John F. Kennedy, Marilyn Monroe, Elvis Presley, The Beatles, John Lennon, and Raquel Welch.
I’ve carefully selected five photographs from this auction that showcase the depth and diversity of some of the other icons featured. Each photo captures a significant moment in popular culture, offering you the opportunity to possess a tangible piece of history. These images not only represent moments frozen in time but also provide a direct connection to the legends who have left an indelible mark on our world.
Psycho (Paramount, 1960) Janet Leigh with John Gavin and Alfred Hitchcock 10″ x 8″ Studio Contact Proof Photograph by William Creamer. PSA/DNA Type 1.
This compelling series of images from the making of Alfred Hitchcock’s iconic 1960 thriller, Psycho, features Janet Leigh and John Gavin in a scene that was scandalous for its time, showing an unmarried couple in an intimate setting. Leigh’s appearance in a bra further defied the era’s strict norms and censorship, marking a bold challenge to societal expectations. Alfred Hitchcock’s direction, captured in this photograph, adds depth and historical significance, offering insight into the filmmaking process and the cultural shifts towards sexuality in cinema as the ’50s gave way to the more progressive ’60s.
This piece not only highlights a key moment in Psycho, reflecting its influence on the thriller genre but also serves as an example of the film’s role in altering Hollywood storytelling. For cinephiles and collectors, this photograph presents a unique opportunity to own a fragment of movie history that encapsulates a groundbreaking defiance of conventions and the evolution of filmic expression.
Barbarella (Paramount, 1968) Jane Fonda 8″ x 10″ Studio Release Photograph by David Hurn. PSA/DNA Type 1.
This vintage photograph by David Hurn captures Jane Fonda in her seminal role as Barbarella, adorned in Paco Rabanne’s signature costume. Exuding timeless allure, Fonda embodies the film’s adventurous and campy spirit, making the image a prized collectible for fans and historians alike. Barbarella is renowned for its bold aesthetics and pioneering spirit, qualities that Fonda’s portrayal vividly brings to life. The costume, a fusion of futuristic design and ’60s sci-fi fashion, not only showcases Fonda’s stunning beauty but also solidifies her status as a fashion icon, symbolizing the era’s exploration of freedom and sexuality.
This photograph could be displayed as a tribute to Barbarella, a film that has become a camp classic and a cultural touchstone, celebrated for its imaginative storytelling and visual style. It depicts Jane Fonda in a role that continues to fascinate and inspire.
David Bowie in New York City, 1973, for The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars (Parlophone, 1972) 14″ x 11″ Custom Photograph by Neal Preston. PSA/DNA Type 1.
Captured by Neal Preston in New York City, 1973, this remarkable photo reveals David Bowie at the height of his Ziggy Stardust era, a transformative time in music history. The image highlights Bowie’s revolutionary androgynous style, challenging traditional gender norms and pioneering self-expression in rock music. His outfit, marked by intricate designs and bare shoulders, showcases his ethereal beauty and the provocative edge of his Ziggy Stardust persona, blending futuristic themes with glam rock. This cultural phenomenon not only reshaped societal views but also encouraged artists to celebrate their individuality.
This photograph is more than a snapshot; it’s a demonstration of Bowie’s lasting impact on music and fashion, immortalizing the innovative spirit of The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars, arguably his best album. This era-defining masterpiece continues to entertain and entrance audiences, embodying Bowie’s legacy as a trailblazer. Owning this photograph offers a unique opportunity to celebrate the life of a music and pop culture icon whose influence endures, making it an incredibly cool addition to any collection.
Brooke Shields and Gene Simmons of Kiss at Party for Blondie at Firoucci, Beverly Hills, December 1978, 10″ x 8″ Original Press Photograph by Brad Elterman. PSA/DNA Type 1.
Taken by Brad Elterman in December 1978 at a Blondie party in Fiorucci, Beverly Hills, this original press photograph presents a memorable pop culture tableau featuring Brooke Shields and Gene Simmons of Kiss. Both stars, at the peak of their fame, strike a playful pose, with Shields mimicking Simmons’s iconic tongue gesture, against a backdrop of rock and roll and Hollywood glamour. This image embodies the late ‘70s zeitgeist, highlighting the era’s flamboyant blend of music scene dominance by Kiss with their theatrical flair and Shields’s rising stardom in film and fashion.
This photograph is a vivid snapshot of the era’s unique cultural intersections. Here, Simmons, renowned for his larger-than-life Kiss persona and distinctive stage makeup, stands in his full Kiss regalia, symbolizing the band’s unparalleled impact on the music world. Beside him, Shields, then a burgeoning teen idol known for her roles in films and her status as a fashion icon, playfully adopts Simmons’s trademark tongue-out pose, showcasing her sense of humor. Their interaction not only highlights the individual achievements of each celebrity but also the whimsical camaraderie between different spheres of entertainment, offering a rich, detailed glimpse into the vibrancy of late ’70s pop culture.
Terminator 2: Judgement Day (TriStar, 1991) Linda Hamilton on Harley Davidson on Set in London, 1991, 8″ x 10 Color Press Photograph. PSA/DNA Type 1.
This striking photograph by Alan Band Associates, taken on the London set of Terminator 2: Judgment Day, shows Linda Hamilton in a moment of serenity, contrasting sharply with her character Sarah Connor’s on-screen intensity. Seated on a Harley Davidson, Hamilton exudes calm strength, her outfit of ripped jeans, black boots, and leather jacket epitomizing the early ’90s action hero. This serene pose offers a rare behind-the-scenes look, highlighting the contrast between Hamilton’s off-screen composure and her fierce cinematic persona.
This image is more than just a snapshot from a film set; it’s a piece of cinema history that celebrates Hamilton’s legacy as a symbol of resilience and power. Capturing a tranquil moment amidst the backdrop of a dystopian narrative, the photograph showcases Hamilton’s multifaceted talent and the enduring impact of Terminator 2: Judgment Day. It’s a displayable memento of the actress’s iconic role and a unique opportunity to own a moment frozen in time during the making of this landmark film.