The career of actor James Dean was short, but packed with memorable photographs. Many have gone down as the best Hollywood had to offer during their golden era, but the most famous of all his portrait images is this photo by photographer Phil Stern. Dean has his classic wild hair and a knitted sweater which he made sexy again, while his tilted head has not diminished his eye contact which pierces through the lens, right to your heart! The image has been used in countless mediums such as books and magazines and while we have seen it reproduced often, this is the only Vintage 1 (Type 1) example that we have ever handled. While there is a dominant later stamp on the back from the 1960's/1970's (The Silver Screen) there is an earlier stamp beneath it which is indeed the vintage 1950's example by the photographer himself, Phil Stern, and with his name faintly visible under the words "One Reproduction Only." The clarity is perfect and this image is absolutely off the original negative with even the slightest bump on Dean's otherwise perfect face, clearly visible. Despite some creasing and wear, mostly to the lower right corner, the image presents beautifully and is ready for even the most advanced collection or inclusion into the most high end gallery. A true work of art that we have never had the pleasure of offering before!

Size: 8x10
Designation: Vintage 1
Condition: 2/5
Quality: 5/5
Overall Grade: 7/10