Peter Beard - Photographs London Thursday, November 21, 2024 | Phillips
  • Orphaned Cheetahs Cubs, Mweiga, near Nyeri, Kenya by Peter Beard epitomises his unique aesthetic and socially conscious approach. Once described as ‘Odysseus with a camera’, he was a visionary ahead of his time whose powerful work continues to resonate long after its creation.

    Rejecting a solely human-centered perspective, Beard recognised the interconnectedness of all living beings. He articulated, ‘[In Africa] I came face to face with the truth that we too are animals, rather dangerous, territorial, and greedy, but animals all the same.’ This philosophy formed the foundation of his artistic practice, wherein he documented the beauty of African fauna alongside the pressing threats they face due to human actions.

    The poignant image of the two orphaned cheetah cubs encapsulates this narrative of loss and vulnerability, prompting viewers to reflect on the broader implications of their plight. Beard’s work serves as both a testament to the richness of wildlife and a call to action for its preservation.

    • Provenance

      The Time is Always Now, New York

73

Orphaned cheetah cubs at Mweiga near Nyeri for The End of the Game / Last word from Paradise

1968
Unique work, comprising a gelatin silver print with ink, a leaf and a feather, executed later.
39.3 x 58 cm (15 1/2 x 22 7/8 in.)
Signed, titled, dated and extensively annotated in ink on the recto.

Full Cataloguing

Estimate
£30,000 - 50,000 

Sold for £52,070

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Photographs

London Auction 21 November 2024