Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2013/04/08

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Subject: [Leica] Is Eggleston in the right?
From: pswango at att.net (Phil Swango)
Date: Mon, 8 Apr 2013 22:51:57 -0600

Adam Bridge wrote:
I read this article over on Digital Photography Review about William
Eggleston's issuance of a large-format (44 x 60) ink-jet print set of a
previous limited edition dye transfer print (11 x 17).

He was sued by a collector who claimed that the new prints reduced the
value of his dye transfer prints which were "limited edition."

The judge found that Eggleston had created an "essentially different" work
from the same transparency and so was within his rights.
========================================

I read that too, Adam, and I had heard of the suit earlier.  I happen to
agree with the decision, and all of the artist friends I've talked to do
also.  The ruling was that the artist owns the image concept itself and
that any edition represents a limited number of prints in a particular
medium.  There is a vast difference IMO between an edition of dye transfers
(pretty much obsolete now) and the giant inkjet prints that are now in
vogue.  It could even work to the collector's advantage eventually if the
dye series is judged in the marketplace to be a more authentic
representation of the artist's original intent.

Just for full disclosure, Egg and I were good friends when I lived in
Memphis in the 60s, so I hope that's not coloring my opinion.

-- 
Phil Swango
307 Aliso Dr SE
Albuquerque, NM 87108
505-262-4085


Replies: Reply from benedenia at gmail.com (Marty Deveney) ([Leica] Is Eggleston in the right?)