This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/7/2024
CASTRO, Fidel Alejandro (1926-2008). Original AP Photograph of Castro with Rifle, with Camilo Cinfuegos and Another Soldier in the Background, Taken Two Years Before Seizing Power. AP, [1957]. Black and white photo (9 ¼ x 7”) with typed caption in Spanish affixed to verso. Several creases and some mild wrinkling, staple holes at upper left corner, caption on verso toned, worn, soiled, chipped. Still, a very good example of this rare and unusual image. (Translated from the Spanish:) “NADAL / ARMED FOR ACTION - Seated Cuban rebel chief Fidel carrying a rifle is supported by two armed comrades in their hideout Sierra Maestra in the east of Cuba’s Oriente Province. The government command said that on September 6 it had crushed a rebel insurrection in the south-central part of the country and put the total casualties at around 75. This photo was taken early summer. Andre St. George, freelance writer (AP PHOTO)”. At this time, Castro was waging a guerilla war against Fulgencio Batista’s government troops. This famous image of Castro and one of his top lieutenants, Cienfuegos, may have been staged for the AP, but it nevertheless created unease for Batista and his American allies. Encapsulated Type I Authentic by PSA. From the Mark Rucker Collection.