Alberto Korda (1928–2001) - Comandante Fidel Castro...

Extraordinary Auction: "Alberto Korda, personal archive". Original photographs from Alberto Korda's personal archive, certified by his sole universal heir, Diana Díaz López. * Note about this photograph in particular: * Commander Fidel Castro visiting where the Revolution began, Sierra Maestra, 1962 + COA. * This photograph bears the photographer's dry stamp + COA. It is important to know that later copies from this period lost much of their quality as the negatives deteriorated over the years and left marks that made it impossible to reproduce the same quality and tonal intensity as these that we offer. An unprecedented proposal of historical, artistic, and documentary value In the world of art and documentary photography, there are moments that mark a before and after. This auction represents one of them. For the first time, the public is offered an exclusive selection of original photographs from Alberto Korda's personal archive, the renowned Cuban photographer whose work not only defined the visual image of the Cuban Revolution, but also became an icon of 20th‑century history. Beyond his recognized authorship of the legendary portrait of Ernesto “Che” Guevara — an image that has transcended cultures as a symbol of rebellion, dignity, and idealism — becoming the most reproduced image in human history. Korda was a deeply committed artist of his time, a sensitive observer of his surroundings, and a visual chronicler of an unprecedented political, social, and human process. The works presented in this auction are not mere reproductions or copies without a defined origin: they come directly from the artist's personal archive, and represent a unique, unrepeatable opportunity to acquire pieces with a degree of authenticity and traceability virtually impossible to find today on the international market. The extreme image quality evident in the tones of the black-and-white photographs is visible directly from the negative, a level of quality rarely attainable in later copies. Guaranteed authenticity: The priceless value of the certificate signed by Diana Díaz. The element that definitively distinguishes this collection is that each photograph is delivered with an authenticity certificate issued and personally signed by Diana Díaz, the SOLE legally recognized universal heir of Alberto Korda's legacy by his father and the only person authorized to issue authentication certificates for the work in the world. This detail, far from being a mere documentary formality, constitutes an absolute guarantee of the origin, legitimacy, and authenticity of the work. In the world of collecting, provenance is a determining factor, and having the direct endorsement of the person legally authorized by law and by inheritance to validate Korda's work adds tangible and immeasurable intangible value. Diana Díaz has been, for decades, the custodian of her father's personal archive, and her role as guardian of that legacy has been recognized both in Cuba and internationally. No one else in the world has the legal authority to issue authenticity certificates for Alberto Korda's works. Therefore, acquiring a photograph with her certificatory signature is to secure a direct and legitimate link to the author, his original archive, and his family history. In the art market, this legitimacy is more than a guarantee: it is a secure investment, a seal of exclusivity, and protection against the proliferation of counterfeit or unverifiable prints that circulate without backing. A living legacy: Art, revolution, and humanity. The photographs available in this auction reflect different facets of Korda’s gaze: from intimate portraits of Fidel Castro and Che Guevara, to spontaneous scenes of the Cuban people, revolutionary women, children in schools, workers, parades, and moments of deep social symbolism. Each image encapsulates the energy of a bygone era and the sensibility of an artist who knew how to portray not only the leaders but also the soul of the people. The beauty of his work lies in the ability to capture emotion, the slightest gesture, and human dignity, even in complex contexts. His humanist style continues to be studied in art and photography academies for its aesthetic precision and narrative charge. Korda was not a mere witness to history. He was its visual interpreter, the black-and-white poet. And his personal archive — zealously safeguarded to this day — represents a vast artistic and documentary reserve of immense historical value. An exclusive opportunity for collectors and institutions This event is not only relevant for private collectors but also for cultural institutions, museums, archives, foundations, and universities that wish to add a piece of contemporary history signed by one of its visual protagonists to their collections. The combination of: • Direct provenance from the author's archive. • The personal and legal certification of Diana Díaz. • The image quality, aesthetics, and historical significance of each photograph. Transforms these pieces into collection items of the highest cultural and economic value, whose prestige and quoted price will only increase over time. This is not just art. It is living history. Biography of ALBERTO KORDA (1928-2001). Alberto Korda: The Eye of the Cuban Revolution. The beginnings: From fashion to revolution Born as Alberto Díaz Gutiérrez in Havana, Cuba, on September 14, 1928, Korda began his career in commercial and fashion photography. During the 1950s, he founded a studio with his partner, specializing in portraits of celebrities, models, and advertising. His talent for framing, light, and composition already stood out in this early stage, and his images revealed a refined aesthetic sensibility that he would later apply to a very different context. However, his fate changed radically from 1959, with the triumph of the Revolution led by Fidel Castro. Fascinated by the energy and idealism of the new political process, Korda devoted himself to documenting social change from within, becoming the official photographer for the newspaper Revolución. His proximity to the revolutionary leaders gave him privileged access to intimate scenes, historic speeches, diplomatic trips, and everyday moments of revolutionary life. A visual testimony of the Revolution Korda was an exceptional witness to some of the most emblematic moments in Cuba's contemporary history. Over more than a decade, he captured in black and white Fidel Castro, Che Guevara, Camilo Cienfuegos, Raúl Castro, and a range of figures in the revolutionary process, as well as the Cuban people in their daily life: peasants, workers, children, and women who embodied the ideals of social justice, literacy, and sovereignty. His work is characterized by an intense emotional charge and an ability to find beauty and humanity in any scene. Korda claimed that his photography was “of soul, not technique,” and that authenticity is felt in each of his compositions. His style is marked by natural light, intimate framing, and a deeply humanist gaze. The immortal image: Guerrillero Heroico On March 5, 1960, during a funeral for the victims of the La Coubre ship explosion in Havana, Korda took what would become the century's most iconic photograph: the portrait of Ernesto “Che” Guevara, later titled Guerrillero Heroico. With a grave expression, a resolute gaze, and wind-blown hair, Che appears as a symbol of rebellion and determination. Interestingly, the image was not published by Revolución the following day, and Korda kept it as part of his personal archive. Years later, the photograph was reproduced and widely disseminated, becoming a global symbol of resistance, idealism, and the fight against oppression. It was adopted by social movements worldwide, from May ’68 in France to civil rights campaigns. Despite the image’s popularity, Korda never collected royalties for its use — except when it was used for commercial purposes, such as in a vodka advertising campaign, which led Korda to sue and win, donating the proceeds to Cuban public health. Beyond Che: An invaluable archive Although Guerrillero Heroico made headlines, Korda's work is vast and goes far beyond that image. His archive includes: • Close portraits of Fidel Castro, during moments of concentration, relaxation, or leadership. • Scenes of the Cuban people, particularly women and children, highlighting dignity, hope, and everyday beauty. • Documentation of international missions, such as trips to the USSR and Africa, showing the Revolution's diplomatic reach. • Symbolic images, like the miliciana, the girl with the stick doll, David and Goliath, where the contrast between violence and poetry creates a deeply moving effect. Korda believed one of his most important series was devoted to Cuban women, whom he portrayed as active protagonists of the revolutionary process. With these images, he helped challenge traditional gender roles and celebrate female strength. Legacy and international recognition Alberto Korda died in Paris in 2001 while attending an exhibition of his work. His legacy, however, has continued to grow, with exhibitions in museums and galleries around the world. His archive has been the subject of numerous publications and catalogues, and his works are part of private and public collections of the highest prestige worldwide. Korda is considered one of the most influential documentary photographers of the 20th century, and his work carries not only artistic value but also historical, political, and cultural significance. Note: Some descriptions are accompanied by illustrations from books about this image; the books shown are not included with the photograph for sale. The illustrative portraits of photographer Alberto Korda are not included in the sale, nor are other illustrative photographs. Some photographs on the reverse of the image bear mounting marks from being displayed in a Paris exhibition, but they do not damage the front image in any way. Important: The photographs will be shipped well protected to reach their recipient in perfect condition.

Stima:€1,000

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