Sep 24, 2025 11:00 EST
Photographs & Contemporary Fine Art
64
Joe Rosenthal, Raising the Flag on Mt. Suribachi, Iwo Jima, 1945
ROSENTHAL, JOE (1911-2006)
Raising the Flag on Mt. Suribachi, Iwo Jima, 1945, printed 1945. Vintage gelatin silver print, 8 1/8 x 9 1/8 inches (208 x 232 mm), signed on image (l.l.) "Joe Rosenthal A.P.", notated April 1, 1945 (Iwo Jima) in pencil in a neat hand beneath, the verso with two Naval Censor approval stamps, these identifiable to the 1940-1945 era. Minor silvering visible in raking light in the dark areas of the image, some corner creasing, a few other surface defects, though generally in excellent condition.
Vintage examples of Rosenthal's great photograph of the Marines of the Second Battalion, 28th Regiment, Fifth Division raising the American flag on Iwo Jima are exceptionally uncommon, especially when signed by the photographer. Taken on February 23, 1945, the image achieved early prominence as an icon of the War in the Pacific, winning the 1945 Pulitzer Prize for Photography. First published two days after it was taken, it was printed in newspapers across the country, and subsequently it appeared on postage stamps, posters, and countless memorials to the conflict.
The censorship stamps on the verso are identified by James Moses in "Censored By The U.S. Navy. U.S. Navy Censorship Markings 1940-1945" as C2-2-16a, see page 217. Rosenthal's signature on this print has been authenticated by Beckett Authentication Services, and a copy of their authentication letter is included in the lot.
Sold for $6,400
Estimated at $4,000 - $6,000
Includes Buyer's Premium
ROSENTHAL, JOE (1911-2006)
Raising the Flag on Mt. Suribachi, Iwo Jima, 1945, printed 1945. Vintage gelatin silver print, 8 1/8 x 9 1/8 inches (208 x 232 mm), signed on image (l.l.) "Joe Rosenthal A.P.", notated April 1, 1945 (Iwo Jima) in pencil in a neat hand beneath, the verso with two Naval Censor approval stamps, these identifiable to the 1940-1945 era. Minor silvering visible in raking light in the dark areas of the image, some corner creasing, a few other surface defects, though generally in excellent condition.
Vintage examples of Rosenthal's great photograph of the Marines of the Second Battalion, 28th Regiment, Fifth Division raising the American flag on Iwo Jima are exceptionally uncommon, especially when signed by the photographer. Taken on February 23, 1945, the image achieved early prominence as an icon of the War in the Pacific, winning the 1945 Pulitzer Prize for Photography. First published two days after it was taken, it was printed in newspapers across the country, and subsequently it appeared on postage stamps, posters, and countless memorials to the conflict.
The censorship stamps on the verso are identified by James Moses in "Censored By The U.S. Navy. U.S. Navy Censorship Markings 1940-1945" as C2-2-16a, see page 217. Rosenthal's signature on this print has been authenticated by Beckett Authentication Services, and a copy of their authentication letter is included in the lot.
Auction: Photographs & Contemporary Fine Art, Sep 24, 2025
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Auction of Photographs on Wednesday, September 24, 2025
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Major 20th Century Images, Early Photography and Daguerreotypes
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We Invite You to Contact Us for Complimentary Auction Evaluations of Your Collection
NEW YORK, NY -- Doyle held its Photographs auction on Wednesday, September 24, 2025. Featured were iconic images by some of the most renowned names in the history of photography from the early period of the medium up to the present day. Offerings include Fine Art, Early Photography, Travel Albums, Daguerreotypes and Photographic Literature.
One of the outstanding works was Irving Penn’s Young Orangutan and Coconut, New York, Oct 12, 2004, which sold for $10,240. This tender image is a poignant example of his later work, showcasing his enduring mastery in animal portraiture.
Order of Sale
Lots 1–13: 19th and early 20th century photography, including daguerreotypes, fine images by Edward Curtis, Southworth and Hawes, Thomas Easterly, Julia Margaret Cameron and Augustus Frederick Sherman.
Lots 14–101: 20th century photography, including four works by Henri Cartier-Bresson, and works by Ansel Adams, Edward Weston, Richard Avedon, Irving Penn and a diverse range of other artists.
Lots 102–110: Contemporary photography, including Andreas Serrano, Joel Meyerowitz and others.
Contemporary Fine Art: Lots 111 - 208
The September 24 auction also offered affordable paintings, prints and sculpture spanning the post-war years to the present day. Read More
We Invite You to Auction!
Consignments are currently being accepted for future auctions. We invite you to contact us for complimentary auction estimates. Our Specialists are always available to discuss the sale of a single item or an entire collection.
