This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/24/2018
Adolf Hitler wanted the 1936 Olympic Games to be a showcase for his “New Germany” and the triumph of his “Master Race.” As a way to document his vision for the entire world to see, actress turned filmmaker Leni Riefenstahl was commissioned to create a documentary full-length movie of the Games. This unprecedented undertaking resulted in the masterpiece “Olympia,” released in 1938 to wide acclaim and still revered as the ultimate celebration and glorification of the Olympic Games. Jesse Owens was the star of the film as Riefenstahl’s cameras beautifully documented the American’s unprecedented four gold medals. Through her lens, Owens’ feat was flashed across movie screens all over the world, and preserving it for future generations. Owens’ four gold medals made him a star – Riefenstahl’s “Olympia” made him a superstar.
Leni Riefenstahl’s career was forever tarnished due to her work with the Nazi regime and in the post-war era was looked at as a war criminal. Riefenstahl retreated to Africa where she reinvented herself as a photographer, documenting the landscapes and its tribes in several books. It was during this period that the actress turned filmmaker turned photographer gifted two of her African books to Jesse Owens. Riefenstahl signed and inscribed the title page of “The Last of the Nuba” and “The People of Kau” in strong, black fountain pen, personalizing both to Jesse Owens, the man she made a superstar. Both books are in well-read condition with loose spines and dust jackets that have tears and abrasions from use. Riefenstahl’s signatures and inscriptions have been perfectly preserved within each volume and offer a unique link between the two stars of the 1936 Berlin Olympics. These are extremely rare and somewhat controversial historical artifacts considering Reni's post-war plight.
Includes LOA signed by each of Jesse Owens' three daughters.