Gelatin silver print
Cuba, 1960
Alberto Korda (1928-2001) – Cuban photographer
Signed in ink lower right ‘Alberto Korda’
Matted
Image dimensions: 8 ¼ x 12 ½ in. (21 x 31.8 cm.)
Sheet dimensions: 11 x 14 in. (27.9 x 35.6 cm.)
Overall dimensions: 16 x 20 in. (40.6 x 50.8 cm.)
Good condition

One of the most recognizable images of the 20th century, this photograph of Marxist revolutionary Che Guevara was taken by Alberto Korda on March 5, 1960 in Havana, Cuba at a memorial service for victims of the La Coubre explosion. Focusing on the anger and implacability showing on Guevara’s face, this image shows his stoic character and turned him into a cultural icon. Reproduced in numerous faculties, this photograph has permeated the dialogue of contemporary culture, often reappearing as a symbol in times of conflict.

Executed in 1960, this gelatin silver print is signed by the photographer. The sheet measures 11 x 14 inches. Two- inch long tape remnant at extreme right and extreme left edges in margin of print. A few handling creases visible in margin throughout and a few light crescent shaped creases in image. A one inch long horizontal hard crease at center right edge in margin. Otherwise good condition.

Alberto Korda (Cuban, 1928-2001)

Born Alberto Diaz Gutiérrez, Alberto Korda was born in Havana, Cuba. His interest in photography began at an early age, when he took his father’s Kodak 35mm. In 1953, Korda opened his first photography studio with Luis Pierce, and eventually became Cuba’s premiere fashion photographer. It was the Cuban Revolution, however, that proved to be the turning point in Korda’s career. Developing a close relationship with Fidel Castro, Korda documented the Revolution, becoming the photographer for the newspaper Revolución. It was in this publication that Korda first published the now iconic image of Che Guevara titled “Guerrillero Heroico,” which has become one of the most recognizable images of the twentieth century.