Mandela Waving Through Prison Bars, 1994

Born in Germany (1931), Schadeberg left Berlin at 19 for South Africa, where he became the chief photographer, Picture Editor, and Art Director at Drum Magazine. He became known as the Father of South African Photography for capturing the beginnings of the freedom movement, the effects of apartheid and the vibrancy of township life. Schadeberg photographed many historic and pivotal events in the 1950s, among them the Defiance Campaign of 1952, the 1956 Treason Trial, the Sophiatown removals of 1955, the Sophiatown jazz and social scene, the Sharpeville funeral of 1960 and pictures of Robben Island inmates. Many of his iconic images are of key political figures (such as Nelson Mandela, Walter Sisulu, Oliver Tambo, Trevor Huddleston and Govan Mbeki), as well as 1950’s jazz legends (Dolly Rathebe, Kippie Moeketsi, Thandi Klaasen and Miriam Makeba).

This photograph is of Nelson Mandela, taken in 1994 when Mandela revisited his Robben Island cell following his release from prison in 1990. Schadeberg captured Mandela returning to his 2 x 2.5 metre cell, where he spent 18 years of his 27 year sentence. This was where he studied, did push-ups and reflected on the goal of the liberation of his people. Printed and selenium toned by Schadeberg in 2014. This print is sold un-framed. Please allow 2-3 weeks for delivery. Other works from Schadeberg are available, to see a wider selection please contact us: info@atlasgallery.com.