Original glossy 8.5 x 11 contact sheet proof print containing 33 different images of Prince Rogers Nelson that were taken by photographer Robert Whitman in 1977 at the latter’s studio in the Kemp Ice Cream building in Minneapolis. The images depict Prince in various seated and standing poses, with five of the pictures showing the unknown musician holding his Gibson acoustic guitar. The proof is initialed by Whitman in silver ink, “RW 1977,” and stamped with his copyright, with four images circled in orange and yellow grease pencil, and one boxed in black felt tip. The reverse bears “This Paper Manufactured by Kodak” watermarks, two Whitman copyright stamps, and is identified as “10,” with “C-11” struck through in felt tip. In fine condition, with a small crease to left side.
Another proof of this contact sheet, and several of its images, can be found in Whitman’s 2017 limited edition photography book Prince: Pre Fame, a 40th-anniversary visual celebration of these iconic Minneapolis portrait sessions, which identifies these photos as deriving from ‘Roll 10.’
These images were captured during one of three separate photo shoots that photographer Robert Whitman made of Prince in 1977 for an introductory press kit aimed at potential record companies. The resulting photos, Prince’s first with a professional photographer, mark an instrumental moment in his career. Whitman photographed Prince in his Minneapolis studio, at manager Owen Husney’s Linden Hills Boulevard home, and on the streets of downtown Minneapolis, including in front of 'The Music Wall' mural painted on the side of the Schmitt Music store. Only 15 copies of the press kit were ever produced, and the photographs from these sessions have rarely been seen.
