Though he was born in Switzerland, photographer Robert Frank’s greatest legacy was his representation of places and figures across the United States, the bulk of which was published in a seminal book titled The Americans.
Frank emigrated to America in 1948, settling in New York City, where he was hired as a fashion photographer for Harper’s Bazaar by the magazine’s legendary art director Alexey Brodovitch, who also recruited Lisette Model, Richard Avedon and mid-century-era style-setting couple Leslie Gill and Frances McLaughlin-Gill. Frank’s artistic style — and use of a 35mm Leica, an unconventional choice in the fashion world — proved not to be a fit, however, and he left the job after a few months. He went on to produce street photography around the city while working freelance jobs for the likes of Vogue, Life and other publications.
But it was leaving New York that would produce Frank’s most notable work. Throughout the 1950s, with the support of a Guggenheim Fellowship and guidance from Walker Evans, he embarked on a series of cross-country road trips, traversing nearly every state in the continental U.S. and producing a wealth of arresting photographs of its inhabitants. The black-and-white images pioneered what became known as a “snapshot aesthetic,” capturing a spontaneous moment. Subjects are often out of focus and rarely looking toward the camera, and rippled fabric or bent grasses often suggest movement and breeze.
After an initial publication in France, where the photographs appear alongside essays, The Americans was released in the U.S. in 1959 with a foreword by author Jack Kerouac, who espoused Frank’s ability to capture a uniquely American spirit.
“That crazy feeling in America,” Kerouac wrote, “when the sun is hot and music comes out of the jukebox or from a nearby funeral, that’s what Robert Frank has captured in tremendous photographs taken as he traveled on the road around practically forty-eight states in an old used car.”
Following the release of The Americans, Frank turned much of his attention to film. He would go on to produce a film version of Kerouac’s The Beat Generation and cofounded the New American Cinema Group in 1960. He died in 2019.
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Robert Frank The Americans (1968 MoMa edition)
By Robert Frank
Located in Brooklyn, NY
1968 MoMa edition of Robert Frank The Americans: Cover: Fair overall vintage condition: minor creasing & age related wear. Interior: Good overall vintage condition. Bibliographic ...
Paper
$25,000
Hollywood
By Robert Frank
Located in New York, NY
It's hard to imagine an approach to photography that contrasted more with Robert Frank’s freewheeling style than Hollywood’s glamour shots of film stars in the 1950s. The stills depa...
Silver Gelatin
$772Sale Price|58% Off
Robert Frank Untitled from the Americans, 1958, Beats Culture, Black & White
By Robert Frank
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Robert Frank Untitled from the Americans, 1958, Beats Culture, Black & White. Photogravure print, mid-century, France,wax tissue mounted on conservation matboard. Influenced by the work of Jakob Tuggener and Bill Brandt, as well as Walker Evans, Frank, a native of Switzerland, Frank was fascinated by documentary photography and the notion and image of "America." Frank secured a Guggenheim fellowship in 1955 to do something new and unconstrained by commercial diktats. "The Americans" was first published in 1958 in France, before its first run in the US in 1959. The photographs were shocking and notable for their distanced view of both high and low strata of American society, creating a complicated portrait of a period that was, then and now, considered to be a skeptical portrait of post-WWII American values but also deeply empathetic and profoundly evocative of ubiquitous loneliness. Frank found a tension in the gloss of American culture and wealth over race and class differences, which gave his photographs a clear contrast to those of most contemporary American photojournalists, as did his use of unusual focus, low lighting and cropping that deviated from accepted photographic techniques. Shortly before the book was published in France, Frank returned to the US (1957) and met Jack Kerouac on the sidewalk outside a party. They started chatting. Frank showed him some of his photographs. Kerouac immediately told Frank "Sure, I can write something about these pictures." Kerouac would write the introduction to the American edition of the book, published two years later. Sociologist Howard S...
Paper
Robert Frank, Paris, 1951, Black and White Photography, Tulips
By Robert Frank
Located in London, GB
Paris - Robert Frank (Black and White Photography) Signed and dated Silver gelatin print, printed 1970s 14 x 11 inches Frank’s photographs focused on elements of everyday life that ...
Silver Gelatin
$750 / item
H 11.8 in W 16.2 in D 4 in
Walt Disney Film Archives, the Animated Movies 1921-1968, Collector's Edition
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hardcover, 620 pages, 41.1 x 30 cm (16.2 x 11.8 in.) in clamshell box. With portfolio of 5 cel setups, 37.6 x 30 cm (14.8 x 11.8 in.) and 30 x 36.3 cm (11.8 x 14.3 in.), and 64-page facsimile of 'The Sorcerer's Apprentice' storyboard from Fantasia, 30 x 37 cm (11.8 x 14.6 in.). This Taschen Collector’s edition presents the first volume of one of the most expansive illustrated publications on Disney animation. In it, some 1,500 images as well as top essays by eminent Disney experts take us to the beating heart of the studio’s “Golden Age of Animation,” tracing Disney’s complete animation journey from the silent film era, through his first full-length feature Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937) and the pioneering artistic experiment Fantasia (1940), right up to his last masterpieces Winnie the Pooh and the Honey Tree (1966) and The Jungle Book (1967). The book brings focus to each of the major animated features made during Walt’s lifetime, including Pinocchio, Fantasia, Dumbo, Bambi, Cinderella, Peter Pan, Lady and the Tramp, and 101 Dalmatians, without forgetting the experimental short films of the Silly Symphonies series, underappreciated episodic musical films such as Make Mine Music and Melody Time, and many unfinished projects, such as proposed sequels to Fantasia or a homage to Davy Crockett by painter Thomas Hart Benton. With extensive research conducted through the collections of the Walt Disney Company, as well as private collections, editor Daniel Kothenschulte curates some of the most precious concept paintings and storyboards to reveal just how these animation masterpieces came to life. These original artworks are accompanied by cel setups of famous film scenes, rare pictures from Disney photographers, and fascinating excerpts from story conferences between Walt and his staff. Throughout, contributions from leading Disney specialists detail the evolution of each film and honour the outstanding animators and designers who influenced the style of the studio, among them Albert Hurter, Gustaf Tenggren, Kay Nielsen, Carl Barks, Mary Blair, Sylvia Holland, Tyrus Wong...
Other
$1,800
H 32.25 in W 27.3 in D 1.3 in
Christo / The Pont Neuf Wrapped / Project For Paris, 1984 Lithograph
By Christo and Jeanne-Claude, Nouvelles Images
Located in New York, NY
Christo / The Pont Neuf Wrapped / Project for Paris, 1984 / Collage En Deux Partes Offset lithograph in colors on woven paper, published by Nouvelles Ima...
Paper
Fern Spring, Dusk, Yosemite
By Ansel Adams
Located in Pacific Grove, CA
This silver gelatin print with exemplary provenance is unsigned but bears several stamps from the artist's family on the back of the mount, including the authentication stamp of Adam...
Silver Gelatin
The Americans Robert Frank, Jack Kerouac 1st Enlarged Ed. 1969
Located in CA, CA
First printing of the first revised & enlarged hardcover edition of The Americans by Robert Frank with writings by Jack Kerouac published by Aperture /Grossman 1969. The landm...
Paper
Kiva, San Ildefonse
By Morley Baer
Located in Pacific Grove, CA
This silver gelatin print is signed and editioned "21/100" in pencil on the front of the mount with Baer's stamp on the back of the mount. This print is accompanied by its original b...
Silver Gelatin
$750
H 11.75 in W 8.07 in D 1.88 in
Travels with a Donkey in the Cevennes by Robert Louis Stevenson, Ltd. Edition
By Robert Louis Stevenson
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Stevenson, Robert Louis. Travels with a Donkey in the Cévennes. New York: The Limited Editions Club, 1957. Limited edition, numbered 763/1500. Signed and illustrated by Roger Duvoisi...
Leather, Fabric, Paper
"Cat Boat" Mechanical Toy Penny Bank, American, circa 1968
By Utexiqual Products
Located in Incline Village, NV
In near mint and all original condition this vintage mechanical bank appeals to both sailing enthusiasts and bank collectors; perhaps a collector of "cat" memorabelia as well. The theme depicts two sailors riding their boat in full sail. It is quite substantial in both size and weight. To operate, (with the lever pushed all the way in from the left); place a coin vertically above the left arm of the sailor in red; from the right; push the lever all the way in. The sail and Boom hits the sailor, knocking him over as the coin drops into the bank. The other sailor moves forward while manning the tiller. The bank is named "Cat Boat...
Aluminum, Iron, Tin
The Concerned Photograher, 1st edition, 1968
Located in CA, CA
Published by Grossman Publishers, 1st edition, 1968. Hardback, English text. This magnificent volume is based on the exhibition “The Concerned Photographer”, held at the Riverside M...
Paper
1960s Vogue Magazine Framed Covers, Set of 3
Located in Stamford, CT
Set of three framed 1960s Vogue Magazine covers. Left to right: September 1964 cover features model Wilhelmina photographed by David Bailey. N...
Glass, Wood, Paper
Storefront
By Brett Weston
Located in Pacific Grove, CA
This vintage silver gelatin print is signed and dated in pencil mount recto, and again mount verso. Printed in 1961 for inclusion in "Fifteen Photographs" (edition of 50). Mounted to...
Silver Gelatin
$95
H 14.75 in W 11 in D 0.75 in
Frank Lloyd Wright American Architect of the Twentieth Century Book 1st Ed.1993
By (after) Frank Lloyd Wright
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Frank Lloyd Wright American Architect of the Twentieth century 1993. by Robin Langley Sommer. 1st Edition, hardcover book. Frank Lloyd Wright: American Architect for the Twentieth Century Hardcover book. Frank Lloyd Wright is recognized as a dominant figure in the history of modern architecture. His life and revolutionary work is described in this volume filled with more than 180 photographs illustrating 60 of his most-beloved buildings. An impressive, beautifully illustrated volume examines the creations of America's beloved architect, including interior furnishings, stunning private homes, and unique public buildings, with an introduction providing insight into his private life as well as his enduring work. Publisher ? : ? Smithmark Pub Language ? : ? English Item Weight ? : ? 3.6 pounds Dimensions ? : ? 11 x 0.75 x 14.75 inches. Recognized as a dominant figure in the history of modern architecture and the greatest design influenced in the United States during the first half of the twentieth century, Frank Lloyd Wright created, during his long and prolific career, a unique body of work that endures to this day. Beginning in 1889 with the design for his own house in Oak Park, Illinois, and continuing with hundreds of designs for residential, commercial, ecclesiastical, educational and civic structures, Wright's varied architecture is unified only by the underlying organized principles of change and innovation. Revolutionizing residential architecture with the disparate expressions of his simple creed, "out of the ground and into the light! Wright's houses feature a sense of unity and privacy, an a free flow of interior space. Wright sought synthesis in his projects by designing whenever possible, everything from furniture, art glass and lighting fixtures to table lines, carpets and carports. In his Prairies Houses, textile-block structures and Usonian houses, culminating in his masterpiece, Fallingwater, Wright experimented with forms, materials and technology in ever-evolving designs. Wright designed such ambitious commercial masterworks as the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo, the Arizona Biltmore Hotel, the S.C. Johnson and Son Administration Building and Research Tower, and the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum-the alter for which he is perhaps best known. This volume pays tribute to the life and works of frank Lloyd Wright with more than 180 photographs illustrating 60 selected buildings, complemented by a descriptive and incisive text. Front cover: Fallinger, the Edgar J. Kaufmann, Sr. House (1935) in Mill Run, Pennsylvania. Photographer for The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy. Back Cover: The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum (1943-1956) in New York City Photo by Ezra Stroller...
Paper
Revere Beach, MA
By Paul Caponigro
Located in Pacific Grove, CA
This large silver gelatin photograph with untrimmed margins is signed and titled in pencil in the margin under the image. Likely printed in the 1990s.
Silver Gelatin
The Americans: 81 Contact Sheets
By Robert Frank
Located in New York, NY
The is the last remaining set available by any gallery. Danziger Gallery is pleased to present the legendary but rarely seen limited edition portfolio “ROBERT FRANK - THE AMERICAN...
Photographic Film, Lithograph, Silver Gelatin
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H 12 in W 12 in D 0.25 in
Original Rolling Stones Exile on Main Street Vinyl Record 'First Pressing'
By Robert Frank
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage original rolling stones exile on main street vinyl first pressing, 1972, two vinyl records featuring photography by Robert Frank Cover:...
Paper
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H 12 in W 12 in D 0.25 in
Original Rolling Stones Exile on Main Street Vinyl Record 'First Pressing'
By Robert Frank
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage original rolling stones exile on main street vinyl first pressing, 1972; two vinyl records featuring photography by Robert Frank Cover: ...
Paper
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H 12 in W 12 in D 0.25 in
Original Rolling Stones Exile on Main Street Vinyl Record 'First Pressing'
By Robert Frank
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage original rolling stones exile on main street vinyl first pressing, 1972; two vinyl records featuring photography by Robert Frank Cover...
Paper
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H 12 in W 12 in D 0.25 in
Original Rolling Stones Exile on Main Street Vinyl Record 'First Pressing'
By Robert Frank
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage original rolling stones exile on main street vinyl first pressing, 1972; two vinyl records featuring photography by Robert Frank Cover...
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H 12 in W 12 in D 0.25 in
Original Rolling Stones, Exile on Main Street Vinyl Record ‘Robert Frank’
By Robert Frank
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage original rolling stones exile on Main Street Vinyl first pressing, 1972; two vinyl records Photography/artwork by Robert Frank Cove...
Comme des Garcons Six Magazine, Number 4, 1989
By Robert Frank, Rei Kawakubo
Located in CA, CA
Only published between 1988 and 1991, the few existing issues of Comme Des Garcons’ biannual ‘Six’ magazine have become hugely collectable. Collaborating with artists, Rei Kawakubo created publications to be released inline with her collections of those years. This incredible issue includes work from Robert Frank, Arthur Elgort, Josef Koudeika, Saul Leiter...
Original Rolling Stones, Exile on Main Street Vinyl Record
By Robert Frank
Located in NEW YORK, NY
Vintage Original Rolling Stones Exile on Main Street Vinyl 1st Pressing, 1972 Photography/Artwork by Robert Frank Cover, inserts & both rec...
Offset
Untitled, Amusement Park
By Robert Frank
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Signed on the back of the print, lower right. Exhibited Cantor Arts Center, Stanford University, 1985.
Silver Gelatin
Motorama, Los Angeles
By Robert Frank
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Signed on the front of the print, lower right in black ink. Exhibited Cantor Arts Center, Stanford University, 1985.
Silver Gelatin
Photo Booth
By Robert Frank
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Signed on the front of the print, lower right in black ink. Exhibited Cantor Arts Center, Stanford University, 1985.
Silver Gelatin