Artist: Helmut Newton
Title: Veruschka, Nice 1975
Medium: Silver Gelatin Print Photography
Image Size: 9.5" × 14.25"
Sheet Size:12" × 16"
Edition: From the portfolio Private Property, Suite II, planned in an edition of seventy-five plus ten artist's proofs, of which only twenty-five portfolios and one artist's proof were realized; self-published in Monte Carlo, 1984
Inscription: Hand signed in pencil on back and annotated with print number 12, suite number 2, and edition notation 'B'; includes original photographer's 1984 portfolio copyright stamp
Year: 1984
Documentation: Gallery Certificate of Authenticity
"Veruschka, Nice 1975" presents one of the most memorable images of Veruschka von Lehndorff, the German model and artist whose presence came to define an era of fashion photography. Taken by Helmut Newton in 1975, the photograph captures Veruschka standing in a doorway overlooking the Mediterranean. Her upright posture, combined with the contrast between her sleek leather coat and the soft folds of the surrounding curtains, creates an image of strength and elegance. The work reflects Newton's fascination with the intersection of glamour, power, and vulnerability that became central to his photographic vision.
This print was produced in 1984 as part of Newton's Private Property, Suite II, a limited-edition portfolio of fifteen images that the artist self-published in Monte Carlo. Although originally intended as an edition of seventy-five portfolios plus ten artist's proofs, only twenty-five portfolios and one artist's proof were ultimately realized, making each print from the series exceptionally rare. The photograph is printed on heavy satin-finish paper, which enhances its tonal depth and surface texture. The rich blacks and silvery mid-tones characteristic of the gelatin silver process lend a timeless luminosity to the composition, preserving the dramatic tension between light and shadow.
"Veruschka, Nice 1975" has been widely reproduced and exhibited in major publications and retrospectives, including White Women (1976) and Private Property (1990). The print is signed in pencil by Newton and stamped with his copyright and edition marks on the reverse, confirming its authenticity and provenance. As part of Newton's celebrated Private Property portfolio, this photograph stands as both a refined study of beauty and a defining example of twentieth-century fashion photography.
About Helmut Newton
Helmut Newton, one of the most influential and provocative photographers of the 20th century, was renowned for his groundbreaking contributions to fashion photography, portraiture, and art. Born Helmut Neustadter on October 31, 1920, in Berlin, Germany, Newton grew up in a cosmopolitan household as the son of a button manufacturer. His early years in Berlin were marked by the cultural richness and artistic experimentation of the Weimar Republic, which would later influence his daring and avant-garde aesthetic.
Newton's fascination with photography began in his teenage years. At the age of 16, he apprenticed under the renowned portrait photographer Yva (Else Neulander-Simon), whose studio was one of Berlin's most prestigious. This formative experience shaped Newton's technical skills and introduced him to the world of high fashion. However, his budding career was interrupted in 1938 when, as a Jewish man, he fled Germany to escape Nazi persecution. He first relocated to Singapore, where he worked as a photographer for The Straits Times, and later to Australia, where he served in the Australian army during World War II. In 1946, Newton became an Australian citizen and established a photography studio in Melbourne, focusing on fashion and commercial work.
The 1950s and 1960s saw Newton's career flourish as he gained recognition for his striking fashion editorials. Moving to Paris in 1961 with his wife, actress June Browne (who later became a celebrated photographer under the pseudonym Alice Springs), Newton cemented his reputation as a visionary. Paris, with its dynamic fashion scene, provided Newton with the perfect backdrop for his provocative style, blending elegance, sensuality, and surrealism.
Newton's work became synonymous with bold eroticism and the empowerment of the female form. He gained fame for his collaborations with major fashion magazines such as Vogue, Elle, and Harper's Bazaar, as well as luxury brands like Yves Saint Laurent and Chanel. His groundbreaking series "Big Nudes" (1980) and "Siegessaule" (Victory Column, 1981) exemplified his ability to challenge conventional notions of beauty and femininity. His images often featured statuesque women in stark, high-contrast settings, evoking themes of power, dominance, and voyeurism. Newton's work sparked both acclaim and controversy, with critics praising his artistry while others questioned the boundary-pushing nature of his imagery.
Beyond fashion, Newton also created compelling portraits of celebrities, capturing the likes of Andy Warhol, Catherine Deneuve, David Bowie, and Margaret Thatcher. His celebrity portraits often carried the same provocative and cinematic quality as his fashion work, cementing his reputation as a master of visual storytelling.
Newton's artistic achievements were recognized through numerous awards, including the Commandeur de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres in France. His influence extended beyond photography, inspiring filmmakers, artists, and designers with his daring vision.
In 2004, Newton's life tragically ended in Los Angeles following a car accident. He left behind an unparalleled legacy that continues to influence contemporary photography. The Helmut Newton Foundation, established in Berlin, preserves his work and promotes the study of photography as an art form.
Helmut Newton's provocative, elegant, and daring images remain iconic, representing a unique blend of glamour, artistry, and boundary-pushing creativity. Through his lens, Newton redefined the art of fashion photography and left an indelible mark on the cultural landscape of the 20th century.
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