W. Eugene Smith (1918-1978) Dr. Albert Schweitzer at his desk (from 'A Man of Mercy'), 1954 Gelatin silver print, probably printed no later than 1970; with credit and annotation by Leslie Teicholz in pencil on the reverse, framed. 5 5/8 x 8 1/2 in. (14.3 x 21.6 cm.) sheet 8 x 10 in. (20.3 x 25.4 cm.) Footnotes: Provenance Ricco/Maresca Gallery, New York Acquired from the above by the present owner in 2001 Literature LIFE, 'A Man of Mercy,' vol. 37, no. 20, 15 November 1954, pp. 170-171 William Johnson, W. Eugene Smith: Master of the Photographic Essay (New York: Aperture, 1981), cover and cat. no. 22:164 Ben Maddow, Let Truth Be the Prejudice: W. Eugene Smith - His Life and Photographs (New York: Aperture, 1985), p. 172 Note W. Eugene Smith produced just one photo-essay in 1954; while on assignment for LIFE Magazine, he shadowed Dr. Albert Schweitzer in the village of Lambaréné, Gabon, where he worked to house and treat residents suffering from leprosy. The resulting photo-essay, entitled, 'A Man of Mercy,' documented not only Schweitzer's medical mission, but also the life and community of this small riverside village. When the story ran in LIFE's November issue, it included 25 images of Schweitzer, his patients, and the village. The publication of the article carried significant consequences: after years of grappling with his editors for creative control, Smith felt that they had reframed 'A Man of Mercy' in direct conflict with his narrative vision, ultimately leading to his resignation from his post at LIFE. For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com For further information about this lot please visit the lot listing