259

Robert Mapplethorpe

1946-1989

Exhibition card for "CENSORED." 1978.

Offset lithograph on photo paper
Signed in blue ink, lower right.
7 x 5 in. (17.8 x 12.7 cm.)

  • Provenance: Collection of Anne Macdonald.
    Gallery 98, New York.
    Private collection, California.

    "CENSORED" featured nineteen images exploring themes of S&M and homoeroticism, that were deemed too explicit, violent and provocative to be included in his solo show at Simon Lowinsky Gallery. Lowinsky proposed to keep these photographs in reserve, available for viewing on demand, but in response Mapplethorpe mounted "CENSORED" at 80 Langton Street, a non-commercial art space located in the heart of San Francisco's gay leather scene. Decades later, Lowinsky admits that he believes Mapplethorpe wanted his work to be censored, stating he "was well aware of the P.R. effect that calling it ‘CENSORED' would have... he knew that a controversy would only create more interest in the picture."
  • Condition:
    Please contact the Specialist for the auction to request a condition report.

    Condition reports and additional images are provided as a courtesy and should be used by you to aid in the formation of your own opinion regarding condition. All material is sold subject to Swann's standard Terms and Conditions of Sale as published in our catalogues and posted on our website, and include the following terms: (1) all property is sold "as-is"; and (2) works cannot be returned on the basis of condition.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Upon request, Swann will facilitate the shipping of purchases to out-of-town buyers at an additional charge for packing, shipping and insurance, but will not be responsible for any loss, damage or delay resulting from the packing, handling and shipping thereof. Unless specific instructions are received, Swann is the sole judge of the method to be used for shipment. Packing and shipping costs will be noted on the invoice mailed to successful bidders after the sale, and are based on the actual costs involved. Be advised that a full commercial invoice must accompany any purchase shipped outside the US.

Swann Auction Galleries

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of up to 25% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $149 $10
$150 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $5,999 $200
$6,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 $499,999 $20,000
$500,000 + $50,000