09-20-201309-20-2013
Skinner Auctions
Skinner AuctionsBoston MA
2673BBoston
September 20, 2013 10:00 AMCalender
301

Cris Alexander (American, 1920-2012) Portrait of Martha Graham as Medea in Cave of Heart

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$270$225
Auction: American & European Works of Art - 2673BLocation: BostonDate / Time: September 20, 2013 10:00AM

Description:

Cris Alexander (American, 1920-2012)

Portrait of Martha Graham as Medea in Cave of Heart, 1946
Dedicated and autographed "For...Todd/with gratitude and/affection/Martha Graham"
within the composition l.c.
Gelatin silver print, 13 1/4 x 10 1/4 in. (33.7 x 26.0 cm),framed.
Condition: Minor printing flaws, minor indentations to the emulsion u.r., minor rippling, not examined out of frame.

N.B. The lure of New York City loomed large in Alexander's formative years. Born in the Midwest as Allen Smith, Alexander adopted the stage name of Christopher ('Cris') Alexander in his teens, which spoke to his ambition for fame and fortune. (1) Upon arriving in New York in 1938, he attended the Feagin School of Dramatic Art and studied at the American Ballet School. While he began his career as a Broadway actor in the 1940s, he is perhaps best remembered for his work as portrait photographer of friends in his milieu, including Martha Graham, Vivien Leigh, Andy Warhol, and Gloria Vanderbilt. In his later years, he was the official photographer for the New York City Ballet company, and from 1980 to 1986 was a senior photographer for Warhol's magazine, Interview. (2)

(1) Douglas Martin, Cris Alexander, Actor and Photographer, Dies at 92. The New York Times, March 24, 2012.
(2) Tom Vallance, Cris Alexander: Actor who made his Broadway Debut in 'On the Town'. The Independent, April 24, 2012.
Estimate $400-600

Sheet in approximately 14 x 11 inches. Handling crimp at right center edge. Small depressions/dings at top center. Areas of white spots at t.l. that are part of the print (reflecting dust or spots on the negative). Toning and minor soiling across verso.


The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging. Condition requests can be obtained via email (lot inquiry button) or by telephone to the appropriate gallery location (Boston/617.350.5400 or Marlborough/508.970.3000). Any condition statement given, as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Skinner Inc. shall have no responsibility for any error or omission.

Keywords

Cris Alexander, Martha Graham, printing flaws, New York City, Allen Smith, Andy Warhol, American Ballet School, Feagin School of Dramatic Art, Gloria Vanderbilt, Broadway actor, portrait photographer, Vivien Leigh, senior photographer, official photographer, New York City Ballet, Interview, Douglas Martin, Actor and Photographer, The New York Times, On the Town, Tom Vallance, Actor