Moneta J. Sleet Jr. (American, 1926-1996) Mrs. Martin Luther King Jr. comforting her daughter, Bernice, 5, during the funeral in Atlanta's Ebenezer Baptist Church, 1968 Gelatin silver print, printed circa 1980 19-1/2 x 15-1/2 inches (49.5 x 39.4 cm) (image/sheet) Flush mounted to board, with Sleet Jr's archive stamp, verso. PROVENANCE: From the family of Moneta Sleet, Jr.; Swann Auction Galleries, Important Photographs, May 20, 2010, Lot 399; Private collector. EXHIBITED: This large photograph was shown at an exhibition entitled "Moneta Sleet, Jr.: Pulitzer Prize Photojournalist" at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture from November 8, 2007 to December 31, 2007. Moneta Sleet, Jr.'s iconic photograph of Mrs. Coretta Scott King comforting her 5-year-old daughter, Bernice, at the funeral of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in 1968, remains one of the most poignant images from the Civil Rights era. Taken at Atlanta's Ebenezer Baptist Church, the photograph captures a deeply personal and emotional moment amidst the public mourning. Mrs. King, sitting stoically with her young daughter on her lap, exudes a sense of strength and grace despite the overwhelming grief. Her calm demeanor and Bernice's forlorn expression poignantly illustrate the human cost of the struggle for civil rights. Sleet's photograph not only documents the sorrow of a widow and her child but also symbolizes the resilience and enduring spirit of the African American community during one of its darkest hours. Sleet, who was the first African American photographer to win the Pulitzer Prize, gained unique access to the funeral through a personal letter from Mrs. King. His presence and the resulting photograph ensured that the African American media was represented during this historic event. His empathetic eye and ability to capture such a raw, intimate moment has left a lasting legacy in the documentation of American history. HID12401132022 © 2024 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved