A few years ago I wrote about the ARTA gallery in Den Haag, where limited edition graphic artworks were sold. In that post, I mentioned the purchase of a Lucien Clergue photograph from the gallery. It was from a series of photographs featuring a nude woman in the Mediterranean sea. The alluring body caught my attention not just because it was one of the first nude photographs offered to me, but also because of its exceptional quality.
At the time, I had no idea that photographs could be produced in limited editions, but upon seeing the stamp, signature, and edition number on the back of the photograph, I realized the reason for its affordability. It was a smart investment, as these photographs are now worth 200 times more and are sought after by photography collectors around the world.
Lucien Clergue (1934-2014) is a renowned photographer from the last century, and his series of naked women in the sea is considered among his best work. I still deeply appreciate this photograph and distinctly remember choosing the perfect copy to add to my collection. Although I no longer have a place to display it, I sometimes consider selling it in the future.
As a full-time antiquarian bookseller, I frequently come across Lucien Clergue publications, which I list for sale on www.ftn-books.com. Each time I do so, I am reminded of this captivating photograph of a woman in the sea by Lucien Clergue.
While there is still a great selection of photographs available for purchase on www.anneclergue.com, I have yet to see my particular photograph anywhere else on the web. Therefore, I would like to share it with you.
