3 Vintage silver prints each c. 17 x 25 cm (6.7 x 9.8 in)
Each with the photographer’s agency stamp, image no. stamp and various notations in unknown hands on the reverse
LITERATURE“That famous debate in close-up pictures”, in: Life, August 3, 1959, p. 26-31; Sean Callahan (ed.), Elliot Erwitt. The Private Experience: Personal Insights of a Professional Photographer, Los Angeles 1974, p. 50f.; W. Manchester (ed.), In our Time. The world as seen by Magnum photographers, London 1989, p. 32; Elliott Erwitt, Personal Exposures. Fotografien 1946-1988, Lausanne 1988/Munich 2012, p. 65; EE 60/60. Fotografías de Elliot Erwitt, cat. Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia, Madrid 2002; Elliott Erwitt, Personal Best, New York/Kempen 2006, p. 260; Elliott Erwitt, Snaps, London 2011, p. 307; Sequentially Yours, Elliott Erwitt, New York 2011; Magnum Contact Sheets, Munich 2011, p. 96/97; Elliott Erwitt XXL, Collector’s Edition, New York 2012; Biba Giacchetti/Silvana Editoriale (eds.), Elliott Erwitt: Icons, Milan 2012.

In the form of this photo feature, the so-called Kitchen Debate between US Vice President Richard Nixon and the Leader of the USSR, Nikita Khrushchev, became a symbol of the Cold War. Working for Westinghouse in Moscow, Elliott Erwitt was selected to join the entourage of the two statesmen as they visited the American National Exhibition. The scene became so crowded that Erwitt stood behind the barrier in one of Macy’s display kitchens – giving him an optimal view of the adversaries as they became embroiled in an argument about the advantages of their respective ideologies. A selection of Erwitt’s photographs was quickly published by Life.
In particular, the motif shown on negative no. 58, in which Nixon places his index finger on Khrushchev’s chest, made history. Shortly thereafter – without the photographer’s knowledge – Nixon’s presidential campaign used the image as a campaign poster. When Erwitt, who was committed to Kennedy and would never have agreed to this use, complained to those responsible, Nixon’s office sent him a certificate declaring him a “Member of the Kitchen Cabinet”. The rare series of three vintage prints includes the key image as well as two taken previously, showing not only the gesticulating opponents, but also the onlookers, including Leonid Brezhnev.

For this items, if sold and/or shipped within the E.C. the premium is 27,37% (including VAT) plus 19% VAT on the hammer price (in total 46,37%)