A black and white photograph of a young Nelson Mandela, taken by Jorgen Schadeberg in 1952 and initially valued at $4,460, has sold in South Africa for $8,113.

Schadeberg's iconic photo shows the young Mandela in an ambigous pose

The sale of the signed and dated snap of Mandela, which measures 33cm by 33cm, demonstrates just how internationally beloved Mandela still is.

The picture captures Mandela during a contemplative moment, clutching a dark file of paperwork under one arm, and is entitled Nelson Mandela in His Law Office.

As well as the iconic, silver gelatine print, the lot included a copy of Schadeberg's acclaimed photography book: The Black and White Fifties - Jorgen Schadeberg's South Africa.

The sale underlines the fact that Nelson Mandela's autograph is still the most valuable of living celebrities, and here at Paul Fraser Collectibles we have an excellent example currently in stock.

In 1964 Mandela was sentenced to life imprisonment for his part in a plot which sought to overturn the South African government. During his time in prison, Mandela's reputation became interlinked with the anti-apartheid sentiments he expressed and he duly became a symbol of resistance against governmental corruption and discrimination on the grounds of race.

Released from prison in 1990 after widespread campaigning, Mandela was awarded the Noble Peace Prize for services to South Africa in 1993.