A few weeks ago, I was looking through a website when I came upon a truly amazing photograph. It was titled, "Nureyev's Foot." I was struck how beautifully it was lighted and cropped. That foot seemed to say everything about the control, power and strength required of such a famous ballet dancer as Rudolf Nureyev. I had to know who had taken the photo.After some digging through the web, I found the photographer. It turned out to be Richard Avedon and I thought, "but, of course."
Avedon (1923-2004) has been described as the
premiere photographer of style and beauty for the second half of the 20th century. Yet, a career that started by taking Merchant Marines' photographs for I.D. cards hardly seems like the basis for such an outstanding career. However, with his passion for photography, he evolved a style that immediately identified a picture as an "Avedon." While Avedon was known for his fashion magazine work, his real love was portraiture. At age 81 while on assignment for The New Yorker, Avedon suffered a stroke and died. He left a legacy of the most iconic representations of famous figures of the 20th century - including Nureyev's foot. Do you recognize any of these photos?
I remember his work. It was always interesting even though he worked against a plain background. Thanks for reminding me what a great photographer he was. Lou
ReplyDeleteYes, I remember seeing some of those, especially the woman and snake. Not to take anything away from his talent,it still gives me the creeps. The foot is my favorite. sz
ReplyDeleteHi SZ, When I look at the snake on the woman I have trouble understanding how she could lie there so still. I would've freaked for sure! R
DeleteThe John Lennon print in our studio is by Avedon..... I love it. JS
ReplyDeletehmmm...lessee, I recognized Liz Taylor, Twiggy, Veroushka (with snake)?,
ReplyDeleteAudrey Hepburn and Baryshnikov. I thought the woman at the mirror was Coco
Chanel, but doubt it. And the last? Not sure. And WHO was that with the
elephants???
Great to see these photos again after ___ years... DI
Hey Di, You got some of them. In order left to right: Row 1: Natassja Kinski, Twiggy, Row 2: Baryshnikov, Taylor, Row 3: Dovima, Audrey Hepburn,
ReplyDeleteRow 4: Dovima (I think), Marian Anderson.
You did pretty well
A great collection of pictures, never heard of him before.Thanks for sharing, Karen
ReplyDeleteI love your bloggie things. Interesting and art education at it's easiest!
ReplyDeletehugs,
di
The photos are interesting. I've seen a TV ad similar to the one with the naked woman and the snake. Does the ad use this photo? If not, the ad has surely mimicked Avedon's. Mary S
ReplyDeleteHi Mary S. I think I've seen the ad. It did make me think of Avedon's photo.
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