Robert Mapplethorpe, Selected images of Ajitto

2 photographs, each signed, dated, and numbered in the margin, flush-mounted, signed, dated, stamped, and annotated on the reverse, framed, 1981, nos. 8 and 9 in editions of 15 (2). each approximately 17 3/4 by 13 7/8 in. (45.1 by 35.2 cm.) Estimate 15,000—25,000 USD

PROVENANCE: Acquired by the present owner from Fraenkel Gallery, San Francisco, 1983

LITERATURE AND REFERENCES: Perfect Moment, pp. 71 and 72; Whitney, pp. 96 and 98; Mapplethorpe, p. 165; Black Book, frontispiece and title page; Classical Tradition, pls. 15 and 18

NOTE: The full catalogue information for this lot is as follows:

2 photographs, including Ajitto (Front View) and Ajitto (Back View), each signed, dated, and numbered '9/15' and '8/15' by the photographer in ink in the margin, flush-mounted, his copyright stamp, signed and dated by him in ink, and each titled, dated, numbered, and annotated '(MAP) 541' and '(MAP) 574' in unidentified hands in pencil or ink, on the reverse, matted, framed, 1981, nos. 8 and 9 in editions of 15 (2)

Sotheby's. Photographs. 30 Mar 09. New York. www.sothebys.com photo courtesy Sotheby's