| Edward Weston

Lake Tenaya, 1937
Edward Weston was born in Highland Park, Illinois in 1884.
He lived in California for most of life.
He died in 1958.
Known for:
Early in his career, Edward Weston was known for his soft-focus, pictorialist work and portraits. He later became the "pioneer of precise and sharp presentation" with images of natural forms such as the human figure, seashells, plants, vegetables, and landscapes.
Most Popular Image:
"Pepper #30"; "Dunes, Oceano", "Nude, 1936"
Did you know ... ? Weston disliked school very much; he even said on one occasion, "I cannot believe I learned anything of value in school unless it be the will to rebel." In 1923, Weston left his wife, children, and friends and followed his mistress, Tina, to Mexico where his style evolved from pictorialism to realism. Two of his sons, Cole and Brett, were renowned photographers.
He survived by doing portraits for $7 - $15.
Quote:
The camera should be used for a recording of life, for rendering the very substance and quintessence of the thing itself, whether it be polished steel or palpitating flesh."
General Format:
Weston's Silver gelatin prints are 8" x 10", and usually mounted.
How many photographs exist?
He printed most of his work in unnumbered editions, and are very rare.
Prices:
$5,000 - $500,000
How are the photographs printed and signed?
Each photograph is signed in pencil au recto or initialled.
Vintage:
A few vintage photographs are available. Vintage means that the print date is at or near the same time as the negative date.
Technical Information:
In 1902, Weston began photographing with a Kodak Bulls-Eye #2 camera. Certain images were posthumously printed by Weston's son, Cole. All such photographs are labeled as posthumous prints and initialled by Brett or Cole.
Portfolios:
50th Anniversary Portfolio, printed by Brett and Cole, 1955.
Books - In Print:
Edward Weston - hardback, $39.99
Forms of Passion - hardback, $85.00
Availability:
Select images are available through A Gallery for Fine Photography.
Price History:
1975: $500 - $1,500 1985: $3,000 - $50,000 1995: $10,000 - $300,000

Willie, New Orleans from 50th Anniversary Portfolio 1941 |
Authenticity is guaranteed. Prices and availability are subject to change without prior notice.
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