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Guardia Civil. Deleitosa, Spain, 1951. W. Eugene Smith

$2,500

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Born in 1918 in Wichita, Kansas, W. Eugene Smith was a pioneer of photojournalism and master of the photographic essay. Beginning with his powerful shots of the Pacific invasion during World War II, Smith forged an impressive career at LIFE magazine, which included classic photo essays like “Country Doctor,” “Nurse Midwife,” and “Spanish Village.” After leaving LIFE, Smith pursued his acclaimed freelance work on projects such as “Pittsburgh,” the “Jazz Loft,” and ultimately “Minamata,” the story of which is currently being released as a major feature film. These are the first modern prints ever offered for sale by the Smith Estate.

Description

LIFE magazine staff photographer W. Eugene Smith traveled to Spain in 1950 to document repression and poverty under dictator Gen. Francisco Franco. Smith embedded himself in the small town of Deleitosa. The “Spanish Village” photo essay appeared in the April 9, 1951, issue of LIFE. The most searing image was of three members of the Guardia Civil, who kept the townspeople in line. The caption read: “These stern men, enforcers of national law, are Franco’s rural police. They patrol [the] countryside, [and] are feared by people in villages, which also have local police.” Shortly thereafter, the Guardia Civil paid Smith a visit and questioned him. When they left, he told his interpreter: “Let us pass up our remaining, rather unimportant pictures, and get the hell out of here while I still have the film.” He and his assistant left at 4:00 a.m. to flee across the border into France.

– Digital Silver Gelatin print
– Open edition
– Estate stamped on the verso

This print is for personal usage only, intended for display in the home or other private spaces. For all other uses, such as display in public spaces or institutions, publishing the image online or in print, or any other form of usage, permission must be granted by Magnum Photos. Please contact the Magnum Shop with any questions. Prices are quoted exclusive of tax.

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