This article is about the famous photograph and poster-art image of Che Guevara.
Alberto Korda's famous photograph of Che Guevara was taken in March 1960 at a Cuban funeral service, but was published seven years later.
The Maryland Institute of Art called Korda's photo, "The most famous photograph in the world and a symbol of the 20th century."
A modified version of the portrait has been reproduced on a range of different media, though Korda never asked for royalties from most of those who reproduced the image because of his belief in Guevara's ideals.
However Korda at least once claimed copyright over the image to prevent it being used in a Vodka ad. Korda was a lifelong communist and only wanted to cut down on blatant commercialization of the image, telling reporters:
"As a supporter of the ideals for which Che Guevara died, I am not averse to its reproduction by those who wish to propagate his memory and the cause of social justice throughout the world."
The most famous image of Che Guevara is the high contrast bust drawing that is based on the photo. This image was made in several variations: some in red and black, others in black and white, and some in black and white with a red star by Irish artist Jim Fitzpatrick, an artist most known for his depictions of Irish mythology.
It is interesting to compare the position of the eyes in the original and in Fitzpatrick's version. In the original, the eyes are focused on the area in front of Guevara; in the drawing, the eyes are looking into the distance. There is a heroic significance in this new position; the original is human, frail, and worried. Looking up, the drawn face is in an act of aggression, perhaps defiance or pride. In this simple gesture, the replacement of the eye-position, the image of Che is appropriated into an impression, a symbol -- from the original, complete, grey-scaled photograph of Korda. The new, two-toned version, the iconic image as opposed to the documentary photograph, is set for mass use.
Fitzpatrick's graphic was later used by Andy Warhol with same graphic processes that he used on Marilyn Monroe pictures.