Irving Penn (1917-2009) was an American photographer known for his distinctive and influential work in fashion, portraiture, and still life photography. With a career spanning over six decades, Penn's photographs are characterized by their simplicity, elegance, and meticulous attention to detail.Penn was born on June 16, 1917, in Plainfield, New Jersey. He studied design at the Philadelphia Museum School of Industrial Art and later attended the School of Graphic Arts at the University of Pennsylvania. Initially working as an art director and designer, Penn discovered his passion for photography and moved to New York City to pursue it professionally.In the late 1940s, Penn began working for Vogue magazine, where he made significant contributions to the field of fashion photography. He introduced a new approach that focused on clean lines, minimalism, and the use of natural light. Penn's images stood out for their simplicity, bringing a new level of sophistication to fashion photography.One of Penn's most famous works is his series of portraits known as "Small Trades" (1950-1951). In this series, he photographed workers in Paris, London, and New York City, capturing the essence of their trades with dignity and precision. These portraits highlighted the individuality and character of each subject, regardless of their occupation.Penn was also known for his still life photography, which often featured everyday objects arranged in carefully composed and visually striking ways. His still life images transformed ordinary objects into captivating works of art, blurring the line between commercial and fine art photography.Throughout his career, Penn photographed numerous influential figures, including artists, writers, musicians, and cultural icons. His portraits are characterized by their simplicity and focus on the subject, often shot against a plain backdrop to emphasize their personality and essence.In addition to his work in fashion and portraiture, Penn also ventured into other genres such as travel photography, nudes, and ethnographic studies. He experimented with different techniques and formats, including platinum printing, which contributed to the unique aesthetic of his photographs.Irving Penn's work has had a lasting impact on the field of photography, and his images are widely recognized and celebrated. His photographs continue to be exhibited in major museums around the world, and his contributions to the art form have solidified his place as one of the most influential photographers of the 20th century.
Measures 7 x 9.5

Good condition. No rips, tears, creases.