Milton Greene (1922-1985) Jimmy Durante Piano Man. 19 1/2 x 15 7/8 inches in the original 22 1/2 x 17 inch mat. Endorsed "To Jeff - Happiness" and signed in pencil on the bottom of the mat. Provenance: Christie's Auction Feb. 5, 2005. The Christie's label is on the verso. It was estimated at $3000 - $5000 but sold for $480. This was made for LIFE in 1952. The Christie's entry says it was printed before 1955, which is plausible, though Greene's stamp on the back, that is signed, gives a date of 3 -14-80. An explanation could be that Greene put the vintage print in the mount, endorsed it and put the stamp on the back in 1980 soon after Durante died. Greene is most noted for his many photographs of Marilyn Monroe. Durante was a beloved entertainer in theater, film, radio and TV known for his gravelly voice and his big nose ("Schnozolla”.) This is an interesting portrait, because it only shows his back that is still somehow recognizable. The studio lighting is prominent.

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