"Art is the highest form of hope." - Gerhard Richter
There are art books, and then there's SUMO. When Helmut Newton and publisher Benedikt Taschen decided in the late 1990s to produce the largest and most expensive book of the 20th century, they didn't create a simple printed work, but a monument. What we can offer you here, however, is far more than just a copy of this legendary publication. It's a sensation.
We present to you Artist's Proof number 2 of 200.
To understand the significance of this offer, one must know the hierarchy: The regular, signed edition comprised 10,000 copies and has long since sold out completely. But the first 200 copies, the "Artist's Proofs" (AP), were never intended for general sale. They remained within the inner circle of the artist, the publisher, and the family. The very first copy of this book—number 1—made history in 2000 when it was auctioned for a world record price of over $430,000. The copy you can purchase here is number 2. It is the direct successor to the most expensive photography book of all time. This takes us beyond the realm of book collecting and into the realm of museum-quality investment objects.
Physically, SUMO is a force of nature. Measuring 50 x 70 cm and weighing over 34 kilograms, it defies all norms. It isn't placed on a shelf; it commands attention. This is ensured by the specially designed book stand by star designer Philippe Starck, which is included with this offer. The book itself is an uncompromising retrospective of Newton's work: 464 pages, nearly 400 iconic photographs, curated by his wife, June Newton. The print quality remains a benchmark for depth and brilliance.
This particular copy is in superb condition. It has barely been leafed through, and the cover is in excellent condition. The minimal, age-related patina only underscores the authenticity of this historical document from 1999. Owning this book means owning more than just Newton's photographs; it means owning a piece of Taschen's history and an artifact that has irrevocably changed the art world. For serious collectors, institutions, or investors, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity: the second-oldest copy of one of the world's most famous books.