This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/31/2021
This tremendous Type III photo captures Prince on the set of his blockbuster movie “Purple Rain.” The 1984 movie was written by Prince and introduced his immense musical and creative talents to an international audience. The movie cost a modest $7 million to make, but grossed a massive $72 million worldwide, making Prince the most popular musician at the time. This 9" X 7-1/2" photo is one of the stills taken to promote Purple Rain when it was released in 1984. The same image in color was used on the theatrical release poster. The artist sits jauntily on his motorcycle in a nighttime fog and steam filled alley, his co-star Apollonia Kotero standing in a lighted doorway behind him. If there was one image taken that completely personifies both Prince and his masterpiece album and film, it is this photograph. The Type III photo shows overall toning from age with some edge wear and staining. There is a flaw in the photo located under the front wheel of his motorcycle, but this does not take away from the evocative feeling of the image. The back of the photo has publication notes in red and blue, Houston Chronicle stamping with the date “FRI JUL 29 1984” along with a newspaper slug showing the caption it was printed with. The photo has been encapsulated and graded an authentic Type III by PSA/DNA.