Hailed as the greatest testimony to the struggle for freedom, Nelson Mandela’s raise right hand saluting with a clenched fist, known simply as ‘The Amandla Fist’.

On the very last day photographer, Matthew Willman ever worked with Nelson Mandela it was apparent that with Mandela’s advanced age he would not be with us for much longer. Kneeling next to ‘Madiba’ Willman was careful to acknowledge these now rare and precious moments.

It was 6 years previously that Willman had asked the Mandela Foundation for the privilege of doing a portrait study of Mandela’s iconic ‘Amandla fist’. This privilege was always declined.

All this changed on the morning of the 28th of March 2011 when Mandela, without warning, looked at the photographer and said ‘now I am ready’ and with that he raised his right hand clenching his fist, ready for the photograph that had been so long dreamed about.

In a matter of seconds the image was captured for future generations. As far as we know this was the last time Mandela raised his right arm giving the iconic salute of defiance.

Digital images have been made of this historic portrait, reproductions used for various campaigns, exhibitions and for museums. Yet only once has the photographer personally hand printed this remarkable moment. This print will grow in immense value over time and pass into the annuls of history as truly one of the greatest photographs of Nelson Mandela.