Yousuf Karsh's Religious Collection, 13pcs! Photographs, Medals, & Proverbs; Ex. Karsh Estate
Yousuf Karsh
various, various
Yousuf Karsh's Religious Collection, 13pcs! Photographs, Medals, & Proverbs; Ex. Karsh Estate
Archive
A diverse collection of photos, medals, and other religious material presented to legendary photographer Yousuf Karsh (1908-2002), and retained in his personal collection. Totaling 13 pieces in all, ranging in size from 3" x 4.25" to 12" x 9". The bulk of material includes a series of photographs from Karsh's sittings with at least three separate Popes, as well as various Papal medals likely acquired during his travels to Vatican City. Exhibits varying degrees of edge wear, corner bumping, and faint handling marks throughout. Coins show expected patina and light surface scratches. Overall, very good. Please refer to images for additional condition information.
Karsh Estate Provenance: Held by the Estate of Yousuf & Estrellita Karsh; after Yousuf's death in 2002 passing to Estrellita Karsh; after Estrellita's death in March 2025 passing to Katherine Getchell, Co-Executor, Estrellita Karsh Estate and Personal Representative of Estrellita Karsh.
Highlights include:
- (7) commemorative medals and coins produced by the Vatican in honor of Pope John XXIII, John Paul I, and the 1975 Vatican Jubilee under Paul VI. Housed within a brown leather jewelry case, measuring 6" x 4.75" x 2.5" overall.
- Presentation copy of psalms and proverbs from the New Testament, inscribed to "Mr. Yousuf Karsh".
- Photograph of Karsh with Pope John XXIII, ca. 1959; 8" x 10" on glossy fiber-based paper. Stamped from the photographer's Ottawa studio on verso.
- Photograph of Karsh with Bishop Fulton J. Sheen, ca. 1952; 8" x 10" on glossy fiber-based paper. Stamped from the photographer's Ottawa studio on verso.
- Photograph of Karsh with Pope John Paul II, ca. 1979; 8" x 10" on matte fiber-based paper. Blank verso. Together with a 12" x 9" print from the same sitting.
Yousuf Karsh (1908-2002) is recognized as one of the leading photographers of the twentieth century. Arriving in Canada in 1924 as an Armenian refugee, Karsh eventually settled in Ottawa. Over six decades, he mastered the art of portraiture and created a unique chronicle of his time through images of celebrated legends. Some of his most notable subjects include Winston Churchill, Audrey Hepburn, Martin Luther King, Jr., John F. Kennedy, and Ernest Hemingway, among others. A celebrity in his own right, he was an elegant and charming public figure, captivating audiences with compelling stories told in images and words. Karsh sought to capture, as he put it, the "elusive moment of truth," revealing the essential nature of his subjects as reflected in their eyes, hands, and attitudes.
Please review our terms and conditions of sale regarding large lots of five or more items.
This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.
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Yousuf Karsh
various, various
Yousuf Karsh's Religious Collection, 13pcs! Photographs, Medals, & Proverbs; Ex. Karsh Estate
Archive
A diverse collection of photos, medals, and other religious material presented to legendary photographer Yousuf Karsh (1908-2002), and retained in his personal collection. Totaling 13 pieces in all, ranging in size from 3" x 4.25" to 12" x 9". The bulk of material includes a series of photographs from Karsh's sittings with at least three separate Popes, as well as various Papal medals likely acquired during his travels to Vatican City. Exhibits varying degrees of edge wear, corner bumping, and faint handling marks throughout. Coins show expected patina and light surface scratches. Overall, very good. Please refer to images for additional condition information.
Karsh Estate Provenance: Held by the Estate of Yousuf & Estrellita Karsh; after Yousuf's death in 2002 passing to Estrellita Karsh; after Estrellita's death in March 2025 passing to Katherine Getchell, Co-Executor, Estrellita Karsh Estate and Personal Representative of Estrellita Karsh.
Highlights include:
- (7) commemorative medals and coins produced by the Vatican in honor of Pope John XXIII, John Paul I, and the 1975 Vatican Jubilee under Paul VI. Housed within a brown leather jewelry case, measuring 6" x 4.75" x 2.5" overall.
- Presentation copy of psalms and proverbs from the New Testament, inscribed to "Mr. Yousuf Karsh".
- Photograph of Karsh with Pope John XXIII, ca. 1959; 8" x 10" on glossy fiber-based paper. Stamped from the photographer's Ottawa studio on verso.
- Photograph of Karsh with Bishop Fulton J. Sheen, ca. 1952; 8" x 10" on glossy fiber-based paper. Stamped from the photographer's Ottawa studio on verso.
- Photograph of Karsh with Pope John Paul II, ca. 1979; 8" x 10" on matte fiber-based paper. Blank verso. Together with a 12" x 9" print from the same sitting.
Yousuf Karsh (1908-2002) is recognized as one of the leading photographers of the twentieth century. Arriving in Canada in 1924 as an Armenian refugee, Karsh eventually settled in Ottawa. Over six decades, he mastered the art of portraiture and created a unique chronicle of his time through images of celebrated legends. Some of his most notable subjects include Winston Churchill, Audrey Hepburn, Martin Luther King, Jr., John F. Kennedy, and Ernest Hemingway, among others. A celebrity in his own right, he was an elegant and charming public figure, captivating audiences with compelling stories told in images and words. Karsh sought to capture, as he put it, the "elusive moment of truth," revealing the essential nature of his subjects as reflected in their eyes, hands, and attitudes.
Please review our terms and conditions of sale regarding large lots of five or more items.
This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.
WE PROVIDE IN-HOUSE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE!
Estimate
Reserve
Time, Location
Auction House
