$2,000
Vernon, Dai. Studio portrait of Dai Vernon by Hal Phyfe. New York, Hal Phyfe, ca. 1933. Large-format sepia-toned re-strike of the famous ¾ length portrait of Vernon holding a cigarette and pack of cards, smoke curling up toward the ceiling. Photo measures 11 x 14" and is mounted to a board measuring 17 x 19 ¾". Some wear and smudging to surface of image and mount lightly soiled (both easily cleaned); good condntion. Signed and inscribed on the mount, "To my very esteemed friend Don Lawton, Sincerely Dai Vernon." The iconic, best-known image of Vernon, taken by his one-time schoolmate Hal Phyfe, famous Broadway photographer who worked for Florenz Ziegfeld, among other notable clients in the entertainment field. Phyfe was well known for not allowing subjects to smile during sittings.
Auctioneer:
Potter & Potter
Date:
2010-01-30
