"Pirelli's Calendar, May 1985"
16x20 Vintage Silver Gelatin Print by Helmut Newton - Only 2 Available
Description: A striking and historically resonant work, "Pirelli's Calendar, May 1985" captures legendary Formula 1 driver Niki Lauda in a rare and intimate moment. Shot by Helmut Newton as part of the 1985 Pirelli Calendar commission, this image features Lauda wearing the protective mask he donned following the infamous 1976 crash that left his face permanently scarred.
Lauda’s portrait is a study in defiance, resilience, and masculine power—shot by Newton with raw elegance and brutal honesty. At the time, Lauda had already made his return to championship racing and would later go on to lead the Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula 1 Team until his passing in 2020.
The 1985 Pirelli commission was the first to request that Newton incorporate the Pirelli product into his imagery—marking a rare departure from the brand’s traditionally glamour-centric calendars. Newton responded with a gritty, evocative body of work that remained largely unseen until a public reissue in 2014.
This original 16x20 vintage silver gelatin print from that series is exceptionally rare and highly collectible, blending the worlds of motorsport and fine art with Newton’s signature aesthetic.
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Original vintage silver gelatin print from the 1985 Pirelli Calendar series
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Shot by Helmut Newton featuring Formula 1 icon Niki Lauda
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Commissioned by Pirelli Italia with full creative freedom granted to Newton
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Unseen for decades – part of a body of work reintroduced in 2014
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Produced in the 1980s at Newton’s Colour Lab in Paris
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Museum-quality, collectible fine art
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Image measures approximately 13" x 19" on 16" x 20" silver gelatin paper
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Excellent condition – never framed or displayed
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Includes a Certificate of Authenticity
Ships worldwide with insured priority delivery. A powerful image that intersects racing legend, visual storytelling, and Helmut Newton’s legacy.