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Home / Art & Antiques / 2017 October 11 Photographs Signature Auction - New York Auction #5328 / Lot #73211
    LOT #73211  | 
    Sold on Oct 11, 2017 for: Sign-in or Join (free & quick)

    Garry Gross (American, 1937-2010). Brooke Shields: The Woman in the Child, 1975. Oversized dye coupler. 72 x 48 inches (...

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    • Photographs, Garry Gross (American, 1937-2010). Brooke Shields: The Woman in the Child, 1975. Oversized dye coupler. 72 x 48 inches (...
    • Photographs, Garry Gross (American, 1937-2010). Brooke Shields: The Woman in the Child, 1975. Oversized dye coupler. 72 x 48 inches (...
    • Photographs, Garry Gross (American, 1937-2010). Brooke Shields: The Woman in the Child, 1975. Oversized dye coupler. 72 x 48 inches (...
    Photographs, Garry Gross (American, 1937-2010). Brooke Shields: The Woman in the Child, 1975. Oversized dye coupler. 72 x 48 inches (... Photographs, Garry Gross (American, 1937-2010). Brooke Shields: The Woman in the Child, 1975. Oversized dye coupler. 72 x 48 inches (... Photographs, Garry Gross (American, 1937-2010). Brooke Shields: The Woman in the Child, 1975. Oversized dye coupler. 72 x 48 inches (... View More >
    Sold on Oct 11, 2017 for: Sign-in or Join (free & quick)
    Offers to date:
    $10,000 on October 18, 2017
    $10,000 on October 15, 2017
    $10,000 on October 12, 2017

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    Description

    Garry Gross (American, 1937-2010)
    Brooke Shields: The Woman in the Child, 1975
    Oversized dye coupler
    72 x 48 inches (182.9 x 121.9 cm)
    Signed, titled, and dated in pencil on verso.

    This was one of a series of photographs that Brooke Shields posed for at the age of ten for the photographer Garry Gross. These were published in the Playboy Press publication Sugar and Spice. Louis Malle saw these photographs of the then unknown child model and cast her in Pretty Baby launching her film career.

    Now famous, Brooke Shields tries in 1981 to stop the circulation of these photographs by attempting to buy back the negatives. A two-year legal battle ensues and in the end the court decides that Brooke, as a minor at the time, is bound by the contract her mother Teri signed giving Gross the rights to the photographs. The court also ruled, "These photographs are not sexually suggestive, provocative or pornographic, nor do they imply sexual promiscuity. They are pictures of a prepubescent girl posing innocently in her bath"

    The trial left Gross financially ruined until 1992 when the contemporary artist Richard Price bought the rights to appropriate one of the photographs which he titled Spiritual America.

    PROVENANCE:
    From Gary Gross directly to the current owner. This photograph hung in Gross' studio and is probably unique in this large size.

    Condition Report*: Image is reverse mounted to plexiglass; one scratch to the plexi approximately 1/2 inch long to the upper right quadrant; otherwise, there do not appear to be any major condition issues.
    *Heritage Auctions strives to provide as much information as possible but encourages in-person inspection by bidders. Statements regarding the condition of objects are only for general guidance and should not be relied upon as complete statements of fact, and do not constitute a representation, warranty or assumption of liability by Heritage. Some condition issues may not be noted in the condition report but are apparent in the provided photos which are considered part of the condition report. Please note that we do not de-frame lots estimated at $1,000 or less and may not be able to provide additional details for lots valued under $500. Heritage does not guarantee the condition of frames and shall not be liable for any damage/scratches to frames, glass/acrylic coverings, original boxes, display accessories, or art that has slipped in frames. All lots are sold "AS IS" under the Terms & Conditions of Auction.

    Auction Info

    Auction Dates
    October, 2017
    11th Wednesday
    Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 7
    Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
    Page Views: 54,411

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    25% on the first $250,000 (minimum $19), plus 20% of any amount between $250,000 and $2,500,000, plus 12% of any amount over $2,500,000 per lot.

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