Paul Strand (American, 1890-1976) Family, Luzzara, 1953 Gelatin silver print on Agfa paper, printed circa 1975 by Richard Benson 4-7/8 x 6-1/8 inches (12.4 x 15.6 cm) (image/sheet) Inscribed in pencil, mount verso. LITERATURE: C. Zavattini, Un Paese: Portrait of an Italian Village, Aperture, New York, 1955, p. 81; Paul Strand: A Retrospective Monograph: The Years 1950-1968, Aperture, New York, vol. 2, 1972, pl. 209; S. Greenough, Paul Strand, An American Vision, Aperture, New York, 1993, p. 129. In 1950, Strand and Hazel Kingsbury (his third wife) set out to photograph in France and Italy, seeking 'to find and show many of the elements that make this village a particular place where particular people live and work.' A village in Luzzara on the River Po in Italy met this brief exactly. Strand chose to concentrate on photographing the Lusetti family, with matriarch Anna surrounded by her sons Valentino (Strand's guide in Luzzara) Bruno, Guerrino, Afro and Nino. The image is considered one of Strand's most important -- a compositional masterpiece. Other examples of work made during this trip, Young Farmer, Luzzara, and Young Boy, Luzzara, from another private collection, can be found elsewhere in this sale. HID12401132022 © 2024 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved