Iconic Times Square V-J Day Kiss Photo Signed by Both the Sailor and the Nurse

Satin-finish black and white photo signed by the photogenic couple in black felt tip, "Times Square V. J. Day George Mendonsa" by George Mendonsa, and "Best wishes, Greta 10-26-10", by Greta Zimmer Friedman. 8" x 10". Light edgewear, else fine condition.

One of the most famous photos of the 20th century, "V-J Day in Times Square" is a photograph by Alfred Eisenstaedt that portrays a U.S. Navy sailor embracing and kissing a total stranger in a white nurse’s uniform on Victory over Japan Day in New York City's Times Square on August 14, 1945. The photograph was published a week later in Life magazine. The Navy sailor was later identified as George Mendonsa, and the "nurse", as dental assistant Grace Zimmer Friedman.  

In his book, “Eisenstaedt on Eisenstaedt”, the photographer recounts, “In Times Square on V.J. Day I saw a sailor running along the street grabbing any and every girl in sight. Whether she was a grandmother, stout, thin, old, didn't make a difference. I was running ahead of him with my Leica looking back over my shoulder but none of the pictures that were possible pleased me. Then suddenly, in a flash, I saw something white being grabbed. I turned around and clicked the moment the sailor kissed the nurse. If she had been dressed in a dark dress I would never have taken the picture. If the sailor had worn a white uniform, the same. I took exactly four pictures. It was done within a few seconds. Only one is right, on account of the balance. In the others the emphasis is wrong — the sailor on the left side is either too small or too tall. People tell me that when I am in heaven they will remember this picture.”

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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