Artist Index: Horst, Horst P.

Lisa Hair (Lisa Fonssagrives-Penn). 1939. Platinum palladium print, printed later. 24 x 19 cm (35,4 x 27,7 cm). Titled, editioned and signed in pencil as well as photographer's copyright stamp on the verso.

This photograph features Lisa Fonssagrives-Penn, one of the most iconic fashion models of the 20th century and a muse to photographers like Horst P. Horst, Richard Avedon, and Irving Penn (whom she later married). Known for her grace and timeless sophistication, she helped define the golden age of fashion photography. Captured by Horst P. Horst, this image highlights the qualities that made her a prominent figure in haute couture from the 1930s-1950s. – Some discoloration on the verso, due to oxidation of residual ferric salts, otherwise in good condition.

Marlene Dietrich für Vogue.
Vintage Silbergelatine-Kontaktabzug auf Hochglanzpapier. 25,5 x 20,7 cm. Im Negativ nummeriert; Fotografenstempel „Horst Vogue Studio“ sowie Prüfungsstempel "Vogue Studios" mit Datum "10. März 1948" auf der Rückseite. 1948.

Horst P. Horst war ein deutsch-amerikanischer Fotograf, der mit seiner stilprägenden Mode- und Porträtfotografie internationale Anerkennung fand. In seinen Arbeiten verband er klassische Eleganz mit moderner Ästhetik. Seine 1947 für die Vogue entstandenen Porträts von Marlene Dietrich veranschaulichen sein meisterhaftes Spiel mit dramatischer Beleuchtung und skulpturaler Komposition und zeigen sie als Ikone von Raffinesse und kühler, sinnlicher Eleganz.

Male Nude, Back Study, New York. 1952. Gelatin silver print on Agfa paper, printed later. 36,5 x 47,5 cm (40,4 x 50,4 cm). Signed by the photographer in pencil in lower margin; photographer's copyright stamp and annotated in pencil and red crayon by another hand on the verso, matted.

This strikingly abstract, modern nude exemplifies Horst P. Horst's masterful orchestration of light and shadow. The stark contrasts of black and white emphasize the sculptural quality of the model, whose solid form mirrors the compact mass of the stone on which he lies. This rare image is one of Horst's more minimalistic and abstract works, highlighting his ability to distill the human figure into a harmonious interplay of shape and texture. – Light handling dent in upper left and mid right, a few small retouched spots, otherwise a fine, tonal print in near excellent condition.

Lit.: Boris von Brauchitsch (ed.). Enthüllungen. Berlin 2019, ill. p. 138.

"Irving Penn, N.Y.". 1951/printed later. Gelatin silver print. 35 x 27,5 cm. Photographer's blindstamp in lower right in the margin; signed, titled by the photographer in pencil and titled in pencil on the verso, hinge-mounted in upper edge to board.

Horst P. Horst's work is characterized by his ability to capture the essence of his subjects, whether they were iconic Hollywood stars, fashion models, or cultural luminaries. His portraits exude a sense of sophistication, marked by careful attention to lighting, composition, and detail. Here he captured fellow photographer Irving Penn in a relaxed and personable pose. – Stronger crease in right margin and slightly into image, handling dent in lower area, otherwise a fine tonal print in very good condition.

Lit.: Horst. Photographien aus sechs Jahrhunderten, Munich 1995.

"Gertrude Stein and Horst, Paris". 1945/ printed later. Gelatin silver print. 34,4 x 27,1 cm. Mounted to board (50,7 x 40,6 cm). Signed in felt-tip pen on mount recto lower right; signed, titled, dated and dedicated by the photographer and photographer's copyright stamp on mount verso.

Horst P. Horst's work is characterized by his ability to capture the essence of his subjects, whether they were iconic Hollywood stars, fashion models, or cultural luminaries. His portraits exude a sense of sophistication, marked by meticulous attention to lighting, composition, and detail. His portraits of Gertrude Stein taken during the 1940s, reveal a deep connection between photographer and subject, showcasing Stein's unique charisma and her strong character. – Mount with some yellowing and traces from previous mounting on verso, print with some light scuff/scratch marks, one stronger indentation/scratch near upper edge, otherwise a fine tonal print in very good condition.

Lit.: Richard J. Horst/Lothar Schirmer (eds.). Horst. Sixty Years of Photography. Munich 1996, ill. pl. 82 (variant).

"Coco Chanel, Paris". 1937/printed later. Platinum palladium print on Strathmore Carbon paper. 24,5 x 18 cm (35,4 x 28 cm). Signed by the photographer in pencil in lower margin; signed by the photographer in pencil on verso.

Horst P. Horst's portraits of Coco Chanel epitomize timeless elegance, cementing her status as a fashion icon through her sophistication and influence on the world of style. – In excellent condition.

Provenance: Uta and Wilfried Wiegand Collection

Lit.: Horst P. Horst. Photographien aus sechs Jahrzehnten. Munich 1995, ill. plate 2.

"Calla Aethiopica". 1945/printed later. Gelatin silver print on. 22,7 x 30,5 cm (35,3 x 27,7 cm). Photographer's blindstamp in lower right in the margin; signed by the photographer in pencil and titled in pencil on the verso, hinge-mounted to mat window.

Minimal pressure mark in lower left area, a few small retouched spots, otherwise a beautiful tonal print in near excellent condition.

Lit.: Horst. Photographien aus sechs Jahrhunderten, Munich 1995.

Salvador Dali, New York. 1943/printed later. Gelatin silver print on Agfa paper. 45,3 x 36,5 cm (50,2 x 40,5 cm). Signed by photographer in pencil below the image in the margin; photographer's copyright stamp on the verso.

Beautiful tonal print in excellent condition.

Lit.: Horst. Photographien aus sechs Jahrhunderten, Munich 1995, ill. plate 47.

Flower still life through rainy window. 1980s/printed later. Dye transfer print. 49 x 38 cm (58 x 49 cm).