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Alberto Korda (1928–2001) - Fidel Castro y niño con fusil en las montañas de Sierra Maestra, 1962 + COA.
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Description
Extraordinary auction: 'Alberto Korda, personal archive.'
Original photographs from Alberto Korda's personal archive, certified by his sole universal heir, Diana Díaz López.
* Note about this particular photograph:
Fidel Castro and a boy with a rifle in the Sierra Maestra mountains, 1962 + COA.
This photograph bears the dry stamp of the photographer + COA.
It is important to know that later copies from this period lost a lot of quality, as the negatives deteriorated over the years and marks appeared that made it impossible to reproduce the same quality and tonal intensity as these we offer.
An unprecedented proposal of historical, artistic, and documentary value.
In the world of art and documentary photography, there are moments that mark a before and after. This auction represents one of those moments. For the first time, an exclusive selection of original photographs from the personal archive of Alberto Korda is made available to the public. The renowned Cuban photographer whose work not only visually defined the Cuban Revolution but also became an icon of 20th-century history.
Beyond its renowned authorship of the iconic portrait of Ernesto “Che” Guevara — an image that has transcended multiple cultures as a symbol of rebellion, dignity, and idealism — it has become the most reproduced image in the history of humanity.
Korda was a deeply committed artist of his time, a perceptive observer of his environment, and a visual chronicler of an unprecedented political, social, and human process.
The works presented in this auction are not mere reproductions or copies without a defined origin: they come directly from the artist's personal archive and represent a unique and unrepeatable opportunity to acquire pieces with a level of authenticity and traceability that is almost impossible to find today on the international market.
One can observe in the black tones of the photographs the extreme image quality directly from the negative; rarely is this level of quality achievable in later copies.
Authenticity guaranteed: The priceless value of the certificate signed by Diana Díaz.
The defining element of this collection is that each photograph is delivered with an authenticity certificate issued and personally signed by Diana Díaz, the ONLY universally recognized legal heir to Alberto Korda's legacy, as acknowledged by her father, and the only person authorized to issue certificates for the work anywhere in the world.
This detail, far from being a mere bureaucratic procedure, constitutes an absolute guarantee of the origin, legitimacy, and authenticity of the work. In the world of collecting, provenance is a decisive factor, and having the direct endorsement of the person authorized by law and inheritance to validate Korda's work adds an invaluable tangible and intangible value.
Diana Díaz has been, for decades, the caretaker of her father's personal archive, and her role as guardian of that legacy has been recognized both in Cuba and internationally. No other person in the world has the legal authority to issue certificates of authenticity for Alberto Korda's works. Therefore, acquiring a photograph with her certifying signature ensures a direct and legitimate connection with the author, his original archive, and his family history.
In the art market, this legitimacy is more than a guarantee: it is a secure investment, a seal of exclusivity, and protection against the proliferation of counterfeit copies or unverified prints circulating without backing.
A living legacy: Art, revolution, and humanity.
The photographs available in this auction reflect different facets of Korda's perspective: from intimate portraits of Fidel Castro and Che Guevara to spontaneous scenes of the Cuban people, revolutionary women, children in schools, workers, parades, and moments of profound social symbolism. Each image encapsulates the energy of a time period and the sensitivity of an artist who knew how to portray not only the leaders but also the soul of the people.
The beauty of his work lies in the ability to capture emotion, minimal gestures, and human dignity, even amidst complex contexts. His deeply humanist style continues to be studied in art and photography academies for its aesthetic precision and narrative depth.
Korda was not just a witness to history. He was its visual interpreter, its poet in black and white. And his personal archive — still jealously guarded to this day — represents an artistic and documentary reserve of enormous historical value.
An exclusive opportunity for collectors and institutions.
This event is not only relevant for private collectors but also for cultural institutions, museums, archives, foundations, and universities that wish to incorporate into their collections a piece of contemporary history signed by one of its visual protagonists.
The combination between:
Direct provenance from the author's file.
Diana Díaz's personal and legal certification.
• The image quality, aesthetics, and historical significance of each photograph.
Turn these pieces into collectible items of the highest cultural and economic value, whose prestige and valuation will only increase over time.
It's not just about art. It's about living history.
Biography of ALBERTO KORDA (1928-2001).
Alberto Korda: The Eye of the Cuban Revolution.
The beginnings: from fashion to revolution
Born as Alberto Díaz Gutiérrez in Havana, Cuba, on September 14, 1928, Korda began his career in commercial and fashion photography. During the 1950s, he founded a studio with his partner, specializing in celebrity portraits, models, and advertising. His talent for framing, light, and composition was already evident at this early stage, and his images revealed a refined aesthetic sensitivity that he would later apply to a very different context.
However, his destiny changed radically from 1959, with the triumph of the Revolution led by Fidel Castro. Fascinated by the energy and idealism of the new political process, Korda devoted himself to documenting social change from within, becoming the official photographer of the newspaper Revolución. His proximity to revolutionary leaders gave him privileged access to intimate scenes, historic speeches, diplomatic trips, and everyday moments of revolutionary life.
A visual testimony of the Revolution
Korda was an exceptional witness to some of the most emblematic moments in contemporary Cuban history. Over more than a decade, he captured in black and white Fidel Castro, Che Guevara, Camilo Cienfuegos, Raúl Castro, and a diverse array of actors from the revolutionary process, as well as the Cuban people in their daily lives: farmers, workers, children, and women who embodied the ideals of social justice, literacy, and sovereignty.
His work is characterized by an intense emotional charge and a capacity to find beauty and humanity in any scene. Korda claimed that his photography was 'from the soul, not from technique,' and that authenticity is felt in each of his compositions. His style is marked by the use of natural light, close framing, and a deeply humanistic perspective.
The immortal image: Guerrillero Heroico
On March 5, 1960, during a funeral for the victims of the La Coubre explosion in Havana, Korda took what would become the most iconic photograph of the 20th century: the portrait of Ernesto 'Che' Guevara, later titled Guerrillero Heroico. With a serious expression, a firm gaze, and hair in the wind, Che appears as a symbol of rebellion and determination.
Interestingly, the image was not published by the Revolución newspaper the next day, and Korda kept it as part of his personal archive. Years later, the photograph was reproduced and widely disseminated, becoming a global symbol of resistance, idealism, and the fight against oppression. It was adopted by social movements around the world, from the May French protests to civil rights campaigns.
Despite the popularity of the image, Korda never received royalties for its use—except when it was used for commercial purposes, such as in a vodka advertising campaign, which led Korda to sue and win the case, donating the proceeds to Cuban public health.
Beyond Che: An invaluable archive
Although Guerrillero Heroico made headlines, Korda's body of work is vast and goes far beyond that image. His archive includes:
Close-up portraits of Fidel Castro in moments of concentration, relaxation, or leadership.
Scenes from Cuban village life, particularly women and children, highlighting dignity, hope, and everyday beauty.
Documentation of international missions, such as trips to the USSR and Africa, which demonstrated the diplomatic projection of the Revolution.
Symbolic images, such as that of the miliciana, the girl with the wooden doll, David and Goliath, where the contrast between violence and poetry creates a deeply moving effect.
Korda considered that one of his most important series was dedicated to Cuban women, whom he portrayed as active protagonists of the revolutionary process. With these images, he helped challenge traditional gender roles and celebrate female strength.
Legacy and international recognition
Alberto Korda died in Paris in 2001 while attending an exhibition of his work. His legacy, however, has continued to grow, with exhibitions in museums and galleries around the world.
Your file has been the subject of numerous publications and catalogs, and its works are part of the most prestigious private and public collections in the world. Korda is considered one of the most influential documentary photographers of the 20th century, and his work holds not only artistic value but also historical, political, and cultural significance.
Original photographs from Alberto Korda's personal archive, certified by his sole universal heir, Diana Díaz López.
* Note about this particular photograph:
Fidel Castro and a boy with a rifle in the Sierra Maestra mountains, 1962 + COA.
This photograph bears the dry stamp of the photographer + COA.
It is important to know that later copies from this period lost a lot of quality, as the negatives deteriorated over the years and marks appeared that made it impossible to reproduce the same quality and tonal intensity as these we offer.
An unprecedented proposal of historical, artistic, and documentary value.
In the world of art and documentary photography, there are moments that mark a before and after. This auction represents one of those moments. For the first time, an exclusive selection of original photographs from the personal archive of Alberto Korda is made available to the public. The renowned Cuban photographer whose work not only visually defined the Cuban Revolution but also became an icon of 20th-century history.
Beyond its renowned authorship of the iconic portrait of Ernesto “Che” Guevara — an image that has transcended multiple cultures as a symbol of rebellion, dignity, and idealism — it has become the most reproduced image in the history of humanity.
Korda was a deeply committed artist of his time, a perceptive observer of his environment, and a visual chronicler of an unprecedented political, social, and human process.
The works presented in this auction are not mere reproductions or copies without a defined origin: they come directly from the artist's personal archive and represent a unique and unrepeatable opportunity to acquire pieces with a level of authenticity and traceability that is almost impossible to find today on the international market.
One can observe in the black tones of the photographs the extreme image quality directly from the negative; rarely is this level of quality achievable in later copies.
Authenticity guaranteed: The priceless value of the certificate signed by Diana Díaz.
The defining element of this collection is that each photograph is delivered with an authenticity certificate issued and personally signed by Diana Díaz, the ONLY universally recognized legal heir to Alberto Korda's legacy, as acknowledged by her father, and the only person authorized to issue certificates for the work anywhere in the world.
This detail, far from being a mere bureaucratic procedure, constitutes an absolute guarantee of the origin, legitimacy, and authenticity of the work. In the world of collecting, provenance is a decisive factor, and having the direct endorsement of the person authorized by law and inheritance to validate Korda's work adds an invaluable tangible and intangible value.
Diana Díaz has been, for decades, the caretaker of her father's personal archive, and her role as guardian of that legacy has been recognized both in Cuba and internationally. No other person in the world has the legal authority to issue certificates of authenticity for Alberto Korda's works. Therefore, acquiring a photograph with her certifying signature ensures a direct and legitimate connection with the author, his original archive, and his family history.
In the art market, this legitimacy is more than a guarantee: it is a secure investment, a seal of exclusivity, and protection against the proliferation of counterfeit copies or unverified prints circulating without backing.
A living legacy: Art, revolution, and humanity.
The photographs available in this auction reflect different facets of Korda's perspective: from intimate portraits of Fidel Castro and Che Guevara to spontaneous scenes of the Cuban people, revolutionary women, children in schools, workers, parades, and moments of profound social symbolism. Each image encapsulates the energy of a time period and the sensitivity of an artist who knew how to portray not only the leaders but also the soul of the people.
The beauty of his work lies in the ability to capture emotion, minimal gestures, and human dignity, even amidst complex contexts. His deeply humanist style continues to be studied in art and photography academies for its aesthetic precision and narrative depth.
Korda was not just a witness to history. He was its visual interpreter, its poet in black and white. And his personal archive — still jealously guarded to this day — represents an artistic and documentary reserve of enormous historical value.
An exclusive opportunity for collectors and institutions.
This event is not only relevant for private collectors but also for cultural institutions, museums, archives, foundations, and universities that wish to incorporate into their collections a piece of contemporary history signed by one of its visual protagonists.
The combination between:
Direct provenance from the author's file.
Diana Díaz's personal and legal certification.
• The image quality, aesthetics, and historical significance of each photograph.
Turn these pieces into collectible items of the highest cultural and economic value, whose prestige and valuation will only increase over time.
It's not just about art. It's about living history.
Biography of ALBERTO KORDA (1928-2001).
Alberto Korda: The Eye of the Cuban Revolution.
The beginnings: from fashion to revolution
Born as Alberto Díaz Gutiérrez in Havana, Cuba, on September 14, 1928, Korda began his career in commercial and fashion photography. During the 1950s, he founded a studio with his partner, specializing in celebrity portraits, models, and advertising. His talent for framing, light, and composition was already evident at this early stage, and his images revealed a refined aesthetic sensitivity that he would later apply to a very different context.
However, his destiny changed radically from 1959, with the triumph of the Revolution led by Fidel Castro. Fascinated by the energy and idealism of the new political process, Korda devoted himself to documenting social change from within, becoming the official photographer of the newspaper Revolución. His proximity to revolutionary leaders gave him privileged access to intimate scenes, historic speeches, diplomatic trips, and everyday moments of revolutionary life.
A visual testimony of the Revolution
Korda was an exceptional witness to some of the most emblematic moments in contemporary Cuban history. Over more than a decade, he captured in black and white Fidel Castro, Che Guevara, Camilo Cienfuegos, Raúl Castro, and a diverse array of actors from the revolutionary process, as well as the Cuban people in their daily lives: farmers, workers, children, and women who embodied the ideals of social justice, literacy, and sovereignty.
His work is characterized by an intense emotional charge and a capacity to find beauty and humanity in any scene. Korda claimed that his photography was 'from the soul, not from technique,' and that authenticity is felt in each of his compositions. His style is marked by the use of natural light, close framing, and a deeply humanistic perspective.
The immortal image: Guerrillero Heroico
On March 5, 1960, during a funeral for the victims of the La Coubre explosion in Havana, Korda took what would become the most iconic photograph of the 20th century: the portrait of Ernesto 'Che' Guevara, later titled Guerrillero Heroico. With a serious expression, a firm gaze, and hair in the wind, Che appears as a symbol of rebellion and determination.
Interestingly, the image was not published by the Revolución newspaper the next day, and Korda kept it as part of his personal archive. Years later, the photograph was reproduced and widely disseminated, becoming a global symbol of resistance, idealism, and the fight against oppression. It was adopted by social movements around the world, from the May French protests to civil rights campaigns.
Despite the popularity of the image, Korda never received royalties for its use—except when it was used for commercial purposes, such as in a vodka advertising campaign, which led Korda to sue and win the case, donating the proceeds to Cuban public health.
Beyond Che: An invaluable archive
Although Guerrillero Heroico made headlines, Korda's body of work is vast and goes far beyond that image. His archive includes:
Close-up portraits of Fidel Castro in moments of concentration, relaxation, or leadership.
Scenes from Cuban village life, particularly women and children, highlighting dignity, hope, and everyday beauty.
Documentation of international missions, such as trips to the USSR and Africa, which demonstrated the diplomatic projection of the Revolution.
Symbolic images, such as that of the miliciana, the girl with the wooden doll, David and Goliath, where the contrast between violence and poetry creates a deeply moving effect.
Korda considered that one of his most important series was dedicated to Cuban women, whom he portrayed as active protagonists of the revolutionary process. With these images, he helped challenge traditional gender roles and celebrate female strength.
Legacy and international recognition
Alberto Korda died in Paris in 2001 while attending an exhibition of his work. His legacy, however, has continued to grow, with exhibitions in museums and galleries around the world.
Your file has been the subject of numerous publications and catalogs, and its works are part of the most prestigious private and public collections in the world. Korda is considered one of the most influential documentary photographers of the 20th century, and his work holds not only artistic value but also historical, political, and cultural significance.