Photography Appreciation
Gunter Sachs was a man whose life defied the bounds of any single title. He was known widely as a playboy, famed for his high-profile marriages to captivating, strong women like Brigitte Bardot and Soraya Esfandiary, former Empress of Iran. Yet, there was far more to Sachs than his star-studded romances and jet-set image. A skilled athlete and bobsledder, he competed with passion and grit, a quality that followed him into every venture he pursued. And perhaps most compelling was his genuine love for art. Whether as a collector of surreal and pop art icons or as a photographer with a talent for capturing elegance in unexpected ways, Sachs’s dedication to creativity and beauty stood as one of his defining traits, making him an unforgettable presence in the worlds of both art and culture.
Born on November 14, 1932, in Schloss Mainberg, Germany, Gunter Sachs was a man of many talents and interests. As the grandson of Wilhelm von Opel, co-founder of the Opel car company, and son of industrialist Willy Sachs, he was born into a life of privilege. Despite this, Sachs carved his own path, becoming a noted photographer, author, and industrialist. His early years were marked by a passion for sports, notably bobsleighing, where he achieved significant success.
Beyond his athletic pursuits, Sachs was an avid art collector with a keen eye for contemporary works. His collection boasted pieces from renowned artists such as Andy Warhol, Salvador Dalí, and Roy Lichtenstein. In 1972, he opened a gallery in Hamburg, showcasing Warhol's works, which solidified his status in the art world. Sachs's collection was not just a display of wealth but a testament to his genuine appreciation for modern art.
As a photographer, Sachs gained recognition for his surreal and avant-garde style. His works often featured dreamlike elements, reflecting the influence of the surrealist pieces he collected. One of his most recognized photographs is "Ascot" from 1995, which captures the elegance and dynamism of the famous horse racing event. Sachs's photography was celebrated for its innovative use of light and composition, earning him exhibitions and accolades in the art community.
Tragically, on May 7, 2011, Gunter Sachs took his own life at his chalet in Gstaad, Switzerland. In his suicide note, he mentioned suffering from an "incurable illness A," which many speculated to be Alzheimer's disease. His death marked the end of an era for a man who had been a prominent figure in art, photography, and high society.
Sources:
Wikipedia
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/art/artsales/9138327/Gunter-Sachs-art-collection.html
https://galerie-von-stechow.com/en/project/gunter-sachs/
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/8503379/Gunter-Sachs.html
https://www.icij.org/investigations/offshore/after-multi-million-inheritance-playboy-sachs-goes-offshore/
https://www.classicdriver.com/en/article/classic-life/playboy-and-gentleman-gunter-sachs-collection
https://www.thewrap.com/remembering-gunter-sachs-brigette-bardot-and-st-tropez-28602/
https://www.vanityfair.com/news/2011/05/death-of-a-riviera-playboy-gunter-sachs-departs-the-party
https://www.sothebys.com/en/videos/an-introduction-to-the-gunter-sachs-collection
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