160 - Clemens Kalischer, Two Men in Blankets, India, 1964. Clemens Kalischer (1921-2018) was an American photojournalist and art photographer. He was born in Germany and immigrated to the United States. His series of photographs of displaced persons arriving in New York City from displaced persons camps in post-World War II Europe, taken in 1947 and 1948, was his most recognized work. Kalischer's work extends the tradition of photojournalism inspired by Henri Cartier-Bresson and André Kertész. His recent interest in agriculture, architecture, education, the environment, music, religion, and socioeconomic matters, however, adds a level of personal dedication to his images that pushes his body of work beyond its aesthetic precedents.

Clemens Kalischer, Two Men in Blankets, India, 1964. Clemens Kalischer (1921-2018) was an American photojournalist and art photographer. He was born in Germany and immigrated to the United States. His series of photographs of displaced persons arriving in New York City from displaced persons camps in post-World War II Europe, taken in 1947 and 1948, was his most recognized work. Kalischer's work extends the tradition of photojournalism inspired by Henri Cartier-Bresson and André Kertész. His recent interest in agriculture, architecture, education, the environment, music, religion, and socioeconomic matters, however, adds a level of personal dedication to his images that pushes his body of work beyond its aesthetic precedents. Two Men in Blankets, India, 1964, original vintage gelatin silver print, back stamped with the photographer's studio stamp and negative/job inventory numbers (JOB. A5 NEG. 83). Dimensions approximately 14" x 11". Taken during Kalischer's notable journey through India in 1944, this compelling portrait captures two men draped in traditional, hand-loomed fringed woolen blankets standing barefoot on wet ground. The photograph stands as a remarkable testament to Kalischer’s trademark humanist perspective, meticulously capturing the rich textures of the garments, the natural terrain, and the quiet dignity of his subjects with profound depth and empathy. The provenance of this photograph is from the collection of Vault Gallery. The history between the renowned humanist photographer Clemens Kalischer and the Vault Gallery is rooted in a deep professional mentorship and close friendship. Located in Great Barrington, Massachusetts, the Vault Gallery was an eclectic, salon-style exhibition space founded and owned by contemporary artist Marilyn Kalish (who, despite the remarkably similar last name, was not related to Kalischer). Before the Vault Gallery ever existed, Clemens Kalischer—an established photojournalist who had operated The Image Gallery in nearby Stockbridge since 1951—visited Marilyn Kalish’s studio. Recognizing her raw talent, Kalischer immediately offered her her first local solo exhibition at his gallery. This gesture deeply impacted Kalish, providing a major stepping stone for her artistic career and serving as the catalyst for her adding color to her artwork. When Kalish later discovered a vacant space in the historic Mahaiwe Bank building in Great Barrington, she envisioned turning it into a European-style salon gallery. Because of the profound bond they had formed, Kalischer was one of the very first artists she reached out to for support. Kalischer enthusiastically believed in her ambition and agreed to let her display his work. Kalish later noted that if Kalischer and a small circle of other trusted artists (like Barry Moser and Craig Walker) had refused, the Vault Gallery would have never opened. Following the gallery's launch in May 2002, Kalischer’s iconic, poignant black-and-white photography became a staple fixture on the Vault Gallery’s walls. Over the gallery’s 22-year tenure in the Berkshires, Kalischer's work was routinely shown alongside Kalish’s paintings, Leonard Baskin's sculptures, and Craig Walker’s photojournalism in acclaimed group exhibitions like Sanctuary: The Power of Images and Butterflies of the Night. Though the physical Vault Gallery in Great Barrington closed in 2024 due to a building sale—prompting Kalish to relocate her practice to eastern Massachusetts—her long history with Kalischer remains a foundational chapter of her career and a testament to the collaborative spirit of the Berkshires art community. The contribution of documentation by Mr. Alan Kalish , Director of Vault Gallery, to Artelisted marks a highly significant development in preserving the legacy of Clemens Kalischer’s relationship with the Vault Gallery. THIS IS A RESERVE AUCTION, and the final price will include a Buyer’s Premium. Please, view our full terms and conditions. ARTELISTED IS LICENSED IN THE US STATES OF FLORIDA AND TEXAS. All the items purchased through Artelisted must be shipped. We no longer offer or accept local pick-ups for any sold lots. The shipment will be made directly by Artelisted. Shipping insurance is the responsibility of the buyer. Ask us if you want to add insurance cost. Note that if there is loss or damage due to bad handling by the transporter, this loss will be assumed only by the buyer. We mainly ship via USPS Ground Advantage, UPS and Fedex International. If you do not pay during the 48 hrs after the end of the event (using the link on your invoice or via Paypal (to artelisted@gmail.com)), your credit card on file will be charged 2 days after the auction. All items must be paid in full within five (5) days of the sale date. Any lots remaining unpaid after the 5-day period will be considered and reported in default. The unpaid items may be re-sold at Artelisted sole discretion and without further notice to the ori