Description:

20th C. Photographers
various, ca. 1930-1980
20th Century Photographers Dealer's Lot of 21 pcs Gifted to Yousuf & Estrellita Karsh, Ex. Karsh Estate
Archive

A collection of photographs, prints, and artwork gifted to famed Canadian photographer Yousuf Karsh (1908-2002) and his wife, Estrellita. Retained in their personal collection until Estrellita's death in 2025, totaling 21 items in all. Ranging in size from 8" x 10" to 16" x 20", produced ca. 1930-1980. Featuring twelve signatures by 7 different artists and photographers, including Edward Steichen (1879-1973), Marie Cosindas (1923-2017), Kenny Rogers (1938-2020), Peter Miller (1934-2023), and Juan Gyenes (1912-1995). Exhibits varying degrees of light curling, handling ceases, and surface defects throughout. Minor corner bumping to some. Otherwise, very good.

Karsh Estate Provenance: Held by the Estate of Yousuf & Estrellita Karsh; after Yousuf's death in 2002 passing to Estrellita Karsh; after Estrellita's death in March 2025 passing to Katherine Getchell, Co-Executor, Estrellita Karsh Estate and Personal Representative of Estrellita Karsh.

Highlights includes:

- Juan Gyenes (5) black and white prints of Estrellita, including three signed by the photographer. Each 11.5" x 9.25".

- [Apollo 17] NASA photograph showing the view from the lunar module. 8" x 10"

- Charles Saunders self portrait signed and inscribed to Solange Gauthier Karsh (1902-1961). 9.25" x 12.5".

- Edward Steichen (2) signed photographic prints. The first shows Steichen with Estrellita, while the second is of Yousuf and Steichen at his home in West Redding, Connecticut. 8" x 10" & 10.25" x 14".

- Henri Wydick signed woodblock print of Karsh, dated 1959. 12.5" x 15.5".

- Henry Grossman photographic print of Yousuf and Estrellita seated at a performance. Photographer's credit stamp on verso. 11" x 14".

- John Garo photographic print of Yousuf Karsh holding a cigarette. 8" x 10".

- Kenny Rogers (2) gelatin silver mounted prints of Yousuf Karsh, signed by the photographer in the lower right. Each 10" x 13".

- Man Ray (2) photographic prints of Yousuf Karsh wearing a suit and hat, the smaller of which is signed by Karsh on verso. 9.5" x 12" & 11" x 14".

- Marie Cosindas (2) signed matted portraits of Yousuf and Estrellita. Together with a signed catalog inscribed to the latter. 11" x 14" & 8.75" x 11" (mounted).

- Peter Miller matted gelatin silver print signed of Karsh with Dr. Albert Sweitzer. 16" x 20".

- Serge Poliakoff (attributed) sketch page, featuring pencil and ink illustrations of Yousuf and Estrellita. 14.75" x 9.75".

- [Unknown artist] Black and white photo of Estrellita getting her makeup done. 8" x 10".

Yousuf Karsh is recognized as one of the leading photographers of the twentieth century. Arriving in Canada in 1924 as an Armenian refugee, Karsh eventually settled in Ottawa. Over six decades, he mastered the art of portraiture and created a unique chronicle of his time through images of celebrated legends. Some of his most notable subjects include Winston Churchill, Audrey Hepburn, Martin Luther King, Jr., John F. Kennedy, and Ernest Hemingway, among others. A celebrity in his own right, he was an elegant and charming public figure, captivating audiences with compelling stories told in images and words. Karsh sought to capture, as he put it, the "elusive moment of truth," revealing the essential nature of his subjects as reflected in their eyes, hands, and attitudes.

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This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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May 6, 2026 10:00 AM EDT
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University Archives

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