Jürgen Schadeberg, (1931-2020)

Nelson Mandela in his cell on Robben Island (revisit)

Nelson Mandela in his cell on Robben Island (revisit), 1994
Gelatin silver print, printed 2007, signed by Nelson Mandela in ink on the recto; signed, titled and dated by the artist in ink in the margin; signed, titled, dated by the artist in ink and copyright credit stamp on the verso.
9 x 13 7/8in (22.8 x 35.2cm)
sheet 12 x 16in (30.5 x 40.6cm)

"How are you young man? Aren't you retired yet?" this is the regular banter I had from Madiba whenever we met.
When I went to visit Nelson Mandela for lunch with my wife Claudia he asked me why I wanted to visit an old man when I probably had other more important things to do.
This modesty and self-effacement mixed with large doses of humor and an unwavering moral code is the Mandela mix which inspires and captivates the world. Madiba is a role model for all - highlighting the great need, now more than ever, for mankind to choose humanity and morality over materialism.
JURGEN SCHADEBERG

Jürgen Schadeberg recalled that this was probably Nelson Mandela's first official return to the tiny cell in which he had spent 18 years of his 27 year sentence and so was an emotional occasion. During this incarceration, he studied, did pushups and planned how to liberate his people, despite these extremely cramped quarters.
During the sitting, Mandela apparently looked through the bars at the scene outside. When he thought Schadeberg had finished taking pictures, he relaxed somewhat, turning around to smile. The result was this disarming portrait, which also bears Mandela's striking autograph, one of a small number from this sitting, signed by both, in existence.