Gelatin silver print
Cm 18 x 24
Signed and inscribed by the artist on recto
Framed (dark wood) size cm 51,5 x 61,5
Original provenance: Time is always now, New York USA
“Peter Beard – gentleman, socialite, artist, photographer, Lothario, prophet, playboy and fan of recreational drugs – is the last of the adventurers.” That’s how British newspaper The Observer once described Beard, who was as famous for his highly publicized social exploits as he was for his daring wildlife photography.
Born in New York City in 1938, the heir to railroad and tobacco fortunes, Beard, became best known for his mixed media pieces, which incorporate photos, diaries, leaves, newspaper clippings and even blood, both human and animal. For several years Beard worked as a fashion photographer, often capturing images for Vogue and Elle. But, overwhelmingly, his work was about conservation and documentation of the natural world, specifically East Africa.
Beard’s photo essays of the African safari brought him widespread acclaim, from naturalists and art collectors alike. He was also known for his famous friends (Andy Warhol, Truman Capote, Francis Bacon, Salvador Dali) and love interests (Cheryl Tiegs, Candice Bergen, Lee Radziwill) – and for his hard-partying nights at Studio 54.