Weegee

WEEGEE "AT EDDIE CONDON’S IN GREENWICH VILLAGE", 1945

Innovative, provocative, inimitable - these are just a few of the words to describe America's boldest photographer. 

Arthur Fellig, better known as Weegee (1899-1968) was a ground-breaking, successful (and notorious) photojournalist. His images shot on the streets of New York City are iconic and influential. 

In the 1930's he became the first New York City press photographer to obtain permission to install a police radio in his car. This allowed him to follow the city's first responders and to document their duties; responding to fire, crime, debauchery and of course, murder.

By the early 1940's Weegee was experiencing fatigue with crime reportage. Yet ironically it was also the point when he finally began experiencing professional validation and acclaim, to the point of being a minor celebrity. Notably in 1941 he was included in the MoMA's seminal "50 Photographs by 50 Photographers" (curated by Edward Steichen). The museum would also acquire five Weegee photographs for their nascent collection. 

As the decade progressed Weegee's focus expanded, and one could argue that he began transitioning from a photojournalist to an artist. 

"At Eddie Condon’s in Greenwich Village" is a fine example of his transitional work.

Eddie Condon was an American jazz banjoist, guitarist, and bandleader. A leading figure in the Chicago jazz scene, he also played piano and sang in New York. For most of the 20th century, Greenwich Village was known as a trendy artists’ neighborhood known for its intimate bars and nightlife.  Weegee loved the nightlife and had a regular circuit on the downtown bars, clubs and cabarets.

This photo is a paradigm of Weegee's eye for detail and composition. It is remarkably timeless and could easily be the 1940's or the 1970's or even today. Interestingly, Weegee would be commissioned by Vogue for a fashion editorial in 1945. 

 A print of this image is held at the Indianapolis Museum of Art. 

Weegee’s photography can be found in numerous museums and private collections worldwide: the J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles; Museum of Modern Art, New York; San Francisco Museum of Modern Art; Museum of Modern Art, Oxford; Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles; International Center of Photography, New York and more.

Questions about this piece? Contact us or call +1.416.704.1720

USA, circa 1945

Gelatin silver print

14"H 11"W (work)

20”H 16”W (sheet)

20.5"H 17.5"W (framed)

Weegee’s stamp and titled “Eddie Condons in the Village” in pencil (verso)

Detailed condition report by request

 

- Where does the inventory ship from?
Our inventory is divided between New York and Toronto. 

- Where do you ship to?
We can ship anywhere. Typically when we ship within North America we prefer to use FedEx or DHL. To Europe, Asia and beyond we generally use DHL. 

- How much does it cost to ship?
For shipments within North America, we typically charge a flat rate fee. Many items on our site will list the rate. For shipping outside of North America, we can easily provide a quote and will look for the most efficient and economical option.

Most of the items on our site can be easily shipped internationally.

Occasionally we will recommend that an artwork be removed from its frame for shipping. Larger framed works are typically framed with plexiglass. We export over 80% of what we sell, so we are comfortable shipping anywhere. 

- Are there additional taxes or fees?
When a work is valued above $2,500 usd there is a possibility of tax of 0.35%, but this is applied sporadically. There can similarly be an additional fee for customs brokerage and this can range from $20 - $65. US Taxes, duties and customs brokerage are not included in our flat rate shipping. However most of our shipments to the US enter without any additional fees. 

- Do you provide a certificate of authenticity?
Yes, we guarantee everything we sell. We can provide both a digital and printed version of our certificate of authenticity. 

What is your return policy?
- Caviar20 wants you to be 100% satisfied with your purchase. We have a 7 day no-questions full refund return policy for your purchase. Shipping charges are non-refundable. Return shipping is the responsibility of the customer. After 8 days returns are given a credit note. There is no expiration for our credit notes.

- What payment methods do you accept?

If purchasing directly online, Caviar20 accepts all major credit cards as well as Paypal. If invoiced, Caviar20 accepts all major credit cards on regularly priced merchandise. 

Discounted material must be paid by wire transfer, or with Paypal (if funds are sent as 'friends and family'). There is a 3.5% administration fee for credit cards on discounted material. 

Caviar20 does not accept personal checks or Zelle. 

Canadian clients are welcomed and encouraged to pay with interac.
 
Please contact us directly at info@caviar20.com if interested in paying with a cryptocurrency (Bitcoin, Ethereum).

 

You may also like