Gelatin silver print (flush mounted), 1941, likely printed later, with Karsh's signature in ink at lower right, also with his "Karsh, Ottawa" hand stamp to verso, matted and framed.

Image size 9 1/2 x 7 1/2 in.; Sheet size 13 3/8 x 10 1/2 in.; Frame dimensions 18 1/4 x 15 3/4 in.

Private Collection, Raleigh, North Carolina

Yousuf Karsh captured this iconic image of Winston Churchill in 1941 when the British Prime Minister was in Ottawa, Canada to give a speech on the war's progress. Churchill was reluctant to pose for his portrait, but he ultimately conceded and stood for Karsh in the Speakers Chambers. Britain's headstrong leader initially held his customary cigar while posing. When he wouldn't relinquish it for the picture, Karsh reached over, took the cigar from Churchill's hand, then immediately snapped the photo. The resulting look of defiance on Churchill's face became emblematic of Britain's determined resistance to Nazi Germany and fascist aggression.

Overall very good condition; image beautifully preserved with only slight, unobtrusive raise from mount (only visible in raking light); a hint of margin toning; crease lower right margin corner.

$1,000 - 3,000