The continent of Africa and its large mammals have always been a source of exhilaration for explorers, hunters and artists. Although his fascination with Africa is perhaps most famous for his discovery of supermodel Iman in Nairobi, Peter Beard, and his photographs of African animals in particular, have always been popular. Born in 1938 to a long line of prestigious individuals (his grandfather, a wealthy tobacco tycoon, popularized the tuxedo), Beard is the heir to a large railroad fortune. According to Blouin Artinfo, the memoir Out of Africa first drew him to the continent, and a trip with his mother heightened his interest. His works are mult-media collages of his photos, journal entries, and bits of animals (like blood or fur), and his images of endangered animals raise awareness of their plight. His work in the fashion and art scene are also well known, as he photographed many of the leading society doyennes and celebrities of his time. On October 3rd, the auction house Christie's will be holding a sale of 28 of his works. From his famed Orphan Cheetah Cubs , Mweiga, Kenya to Tsavo Tusker on the Athi-Tiva River, see highlights of his oeuvre up for sale.
Peter Beard/Christie's
Female Gerenuk at Midday on the Tiva Lugga, 1965.
Peter Beard/Christie's
World-Class Rhino, Aberdare Forest, 1972.
Peter Beard/Christie's
Giraffes in the Mirage on the Taru Desert, Kenya, 1960.
Peter Beard/Christie's
Gardeners of Eden, 1984.
Peter Beard/Christie's
Giraffes in the Mirage on the Taru Desert, Kenya, 1960.
Peter Beard/Christie's
Diary Page, 1978.
Peter Beard/Christie's
El Greco the Wildman, 1965.
Peter Beard/Christie's
Giraffes in Mirage on the Taru Desert, Kenya, 1960.
Peter Beard/Christie's
One Year Old Mountain Gorilla, Rwanda, 1984.
Peter Beard/Christie's
Orphaned Cheetah Cubs, Mweiga, Kenya, 1968.
Peter Beard/Christie's
Loliondo Lion Charge, 1976.
Peter Beard/Christie's
Lion Pride, 1976.
Peter Beard/Christie's
Tsavo Tusker, on the Athi-Tiva River, 1965.
Peter Beard/Christie's
