9 Phographs by Ron Galella (b. 1931) - "the Godfather of the U.S. paparazzi culture

Gelatin silver print
USA, 1985, printed 2009
Ron Galella (b. 1931) - American paparazzi photographer
Signed in pencil verso 'Ron Galella'
With artist's copyright and studio ink stamp verso
Titled, inscribed and dated in typeset on a label affixed to the reverse 'July 13, 1985: Philadelphia, PA / John F. Kennedy Stadium / "Live Aid Concert to Raise Funds for the Ethiopian Famine Crisis / Mick Jagger'
Dimensions: 8 x 10 in. (20.3 x 25.4 cm.)

Capturing the quintessential high energy of Rolling Stones front man Mick Jagger, Ron Galella shows the singer at the 1985 "Live Aid" Concert to raise funds for the Ethiopian Famine Crisis. More

Gelatin silver print

USA, 1972, printed 2009

Ron Galella (b. 1931) - American paparazzi photographer

Signed in pencil verso 'Ron Galella'

With artist's copyright and studio ink stamp verso

Extensively inscribed and dated in typeset on a label affixed to the reverse 'June 9, 1972: New York City'

Dimensions: 8 x 10 in. (20.3 x 25.4 cm.)

Taken at a rare press conference to promote his four concerts at Madison Square Garden, this photograph by Ron Galella shows the King of Rock and Roll wearing a bold floral collar. All four shows were sold out in an unprecedented display of Elvis's comeback. More

Gelatin silver print

USA, 1969, printed 1974

Ron Galella (b. 1931) - American paparazzi photographer

Signed in pencil verso 'Ron Galella'

With artist's copyright, reproduction limitation and studio ink stamp verso

Taken the year after her marriage to Greek shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis is photographed riding a bike through New York's Central Park. Her second marriage caused considerable publicity, making her the target of paparazzi who nicknamed her "Jackie O." More

Gelatin silver print

Italy, 1970, printed 2009

Ron Galella (b. 1931) - American paparazzi photographer

Signed in pencil verso 'Ron Galella'

With artist's copyright and studio ink stamp verso

Extensively inscribed and dated in typeset on a label affixed to the reverse 'August 24, 1970: Capri, Italy'

Dimensions: 8 x 10 in. (20.3 x 25.4 cm.)

Taken in Capri, Italy, Ron Galella captures Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis fervently asking a waiter to call the police and arrest Galella, gesticulating in the direction of the photographer who had tried to disguise himself as a sailor. Known for the ruthless lengths he would take to capture an image, Galella became borderline obsessed with the Former First Lady. More

Gelatin silver print

USA, 1993, printed 2009

Ron Galella (b. 1931) - American paparazzi photographer

Signed in pencil verso 'Ron Galella'

With artist's copyright and studio ink stamp verso

Titled, extensively inscribed and dated in typeset on a label affixed to the reverse 'September 27, 1993: New York City / New York Public Library'

Dimensions: 8 x 10 in. (20.3 x 25.4 cm.)

A young Kate Moss shyly rests her hand on her mouth, covering up a smile that is beginning to form. Here, Ron Galella makes the iconic British supermodel accessible, showing an unguarded moment at a dinner party. Taken at the New York Public Library at a party hosted by Random House and the New Yorker to celebrate the publication of "Richard Avedon: An Autobiography", Galella demonstrates his skill at seizing a candid snapshot. More

Gelatin silver print

USA, 1975, printed circa 2009

Ron Galella (b. 1931) - American paparazzi photographer

Signed in pencil verso 'Ron Galella'

With artist's copyright and studio ink stamp verso

Titled, extensively inscribed and dated in typeset on a label affixed to the reverse 'March 1, 1975: New York City / Uris Theatre (now Gershwin Theatre) / 13th Annual Grammy Awards / David Bowie'

Dimensions: 8 x 10 in. (20.3 x 25.4 cm.)

Capturing the innovative pop musician David Bowie at the 13th annual Grammy Awards held in New York City the year he achieved fame in the United States for his hit album, "Young Americans." Dapper in his white bow tie, Bowie was a key persona during the glam rock era with his androgynous and flamboyant alter ego, Ziggy Stardust. Unequivocally one of the greatest artists of all time, this image of Bowie by one of the fathers of celebrity paparazzi would be the perfect addition to the collection of any music lover. More

Gelatin silver print

USA, 1978, printed circa 2009

Ron Galella (b. 1931) - American paparazzi photographer

Signed in pencil verso 'Ron Galella'

With artist's copyright and studio ink stamp verso

Extensively inscribed and dated in typeset on a label affixed to the reverse 'April 1, 1978: West Hollywood, CA / The Roxy'

Dimensions: 8 x 10 in. (20.3 x 25.4 cm.)

Capturing the playful essence of the late comedian John Belushi, Ron Galella depicts him here peeking around the backstage door of The Roxy in West Hollywood at a Keith Carradine concert. Known for his boisterous personality and intense energy, Belushi was one of the original members of NBC's "Saturday Night Live." More

Gelatin silver print

USA, 1988

Ron Galella (b. 1931) - American paparazzi photographer

Signed in pencil verso 'Ron Galella'

With artist's reproduction limitation and studio ink stamp verso

Extensively inscribed and dated in typeset on a label affixed to the reverse 'March 10, 1988'

Dimensions: 8 x 10 in. (20.3 x 25.4 cm.)

The same year the undisputable King of Pop, Michael Jackson, released his seventh studio album "Bad," he was awarded an honorary doctorate from the United Negro College Fund and Fisk University. Flying to New York City to accept the honor, Galella captured Jackson with fellow musician (and superstar in her own right) Whitney Houston. More

Gelatin silver print

USA, 1989, printed circa 2009

Ron Galella (b. 1931) - American paparazzi photographer

Signed in pencil verso 'Ron Galella'

With artist's reproduction limitation and studio ink stamp verso

Extensively inscribed and dated in typeset on a label affixed to the reverse 'July 26, 1989: Hollywood, CA'

Dimensions: 8 x 10 in. (20.3 x 25.4 cm.)

Kneeling in front of her newly minted star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Joan Rivers is captured joyously smiling as she holds up her plaque. Known for her acerbic sense of humor towards celebrities and politicians, Rivers rose to prominence as a recurring guest on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. Before her death in 2014, Rivers was best known for her interviews with Hollywood elite on the red carpet before award shows and co-hosting "Fashion Police" on the E! Network.  More

Dubbed "the Godfather of the U.S. paparazzi culture," Ron Galella is widely regarded as the most famous and controversial celebrity photographer of the twentieth century. Before receiving his degree in Photojournalism at the Art Center College of Design in Los Angeles, Galella served as a United States Air Force photographer. His interest in photography and popular culture led him on his mission to capture celebrities in candid moments, searching for unguarded moments of truth.