Kurt MarkusBert Ancell, Bell Ranch, New Mexico1983
1983
About the Item
- Creator:Kurt Markus (1947 - 2022, American)
- Creation Year:1983
- Dimensions:Height: 19.75 in (50.17 cm)Width: 15.75 in (40.01 cm)
- Medium:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Gallery Location:New York, NY
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU2911763242
Kurt Markus
Like the cowboys who were often the focus of his work, Kurt Markus’s photographs are imbued with a quiet strength. The acclaimed contemporary American lensman was universally known for his poignant black and white images, each one an intimate glimpse into the lives of their subjects.
Markus was born in 1947 in Whitefish, which is in rural Montana. Though his early childhood was spent outside, he knew that he didn't want to be a rancher. He attended the United States military academy West Point and served in the Army Rangers, but he realized the military was also not for him. Instead, he taught himself photography and fell in love with the craft.
Markus is best known for his moving photography of American cowboys. One of his books of cowboy photography, Cowpuncher, was named the best art book of the year by the National Cowboy Hall of Fame in 2002. Markus also trained his lens on the sport of boxing, photographing world champions like Mike Tyson in addition to lesser-known competitors all around the world, from Havana to Dublin.
Markus was a successful and distinguished fashion photographer as well, working with publications like GQ, Vanity Fair, Esquire, Elle, Vogue and Harper's Bazaar. His long list of clients included the names Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren, Liz Claiborne and Armani. One of the most influential images of his career, Young Man, Y’s for Living, Vicksburg, Mississippi, 1988, was initially used in a fashion advertisement for Japanese design icon Yohji Yamamoto.
No matter what he was photographing, Markus was resolutely traditional in his technique. Even as digital photography became more common, he remained in the darkroom developing silver gelatin prints. He strove to keep the process simple and free of gimmickry.
Markus received numerous accolades over the course of his career, including Life magazine’s Alfred Eisenstaedt Award and several Clio Awards. His work has been exhibited at the Staley-Wise Gallery in New York City, the Obscura Gallery in Santa Fe and the Peter Fetterman Gallery in Santa Monica.
In 2013, Markus settled with his wife in Santa Fe, where he focused more on landscape photography. He died in 2022.
On 1stDibs, find a collection of original Kurt Markus photography.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: New York, NY
- Return PolicyThis item cannot be returned.
- Lilla Kneeling Montauk, NYBy Michael DweckLocated in New York, NYSigned, dated and titled verso.Category
21st Century and Contemporary Black and White Photography
MaterialsSilver Gelatin
- Anne Saint-Marie, New York, Chanel Advertising CampaignBy Lillian BassmanLocated in New York, NYAll editions are signed by the photographer. Availability is subject to change without notice.Category
1950s Photography
MaterialsAdhesive, Silver Gelatin
- Marilyn-MaoBy Philippe HalsmanLocated in New York, NYAll editions stamped by the photographers estate.Category
1950s Portrait Photography
MaterialsSilver Gelatin
- Christy Turlington, Interview MagazineBy Arthur ElgortLocated in New York, NYThis photograph is an Edition of 30. Please see additional editions listed below. All editions are signed by the photographer. Larger sizes may be available upon request.Category
1980s Photography
MaterialsSilver Gelatin, Archival Pigment
- Naomi Campbell in ParisBy Arthur ElgortLocated in New York, NYThis photograph is an Edition of 30. Please see additional editions listed below. All editions are signed by the photographer. Larger sizes may be available upon request.Category
1980s Photography
MaterialsSilver Gelatin, Archival Pigment
- Bianca Jagger's Birthday, Studio 54, New YorkBy Rose HartmanLocated in New York, NYThis photograph is an Edition of 25. All editions are signed by the photographer.Category
1970s Black and White Photography
MaterialsSilver Gelatin
- New York City, 1956 - Elliott Erwitt (Black and White Portrait Photography)By Elliott ErwittLocated in London, GBNew York City, 1956 - Elliott Erwitt (Black and White Portrait Photography) Signed, inscribed with title and dated on accompanying artist’s label Silver gelatin print, printed later...Category
20th Century Photography
MaterialsSilver Gelatin
- Che Guevara, Havana, 1964 - Elliott Erwitt (Black and White Photography)By Elliott ErwittLocated in London, GBChe Guevara, Havana, 1964 - Elliott Erwitt (Black and White Photography) Signed, inscribed with title and dated on accompanying artist’s label Silver gelatin print, printed later A...Category
Mid-20th Century Black and White Photography
MaterialsSilver Gelatin
- Marilyn Monroe, New York, 1954 - Elliott Erwitt (Black and White Photography)By Elliott ErwittLocated in London, GBMarilyn Monroe, New York, 1954 - Elliott Erwitt (Black and White Photography) Signed, inscribed with title and dated on accompanying artist’s label Silver gelatin print, printed late...Category
20th Century Black and White Photography
MaterialsSilver Gelatin
- Grace Kelly, New York City, 1956 - Elliott Erwitt (Black and White Photography)By Elliott ErwittLocated in London, GBGrace Kelly, New York City, 1956 - Elliott Erwitt (Black and White Photography) Signed, inscribed with title and dated on accompanying artist’s label Silver gelatin print, printed la...Category
20th Century Photography
MaterialsSilver Gelatin
- Jack Kerouac, New York City, 1953 - Elliott Erwitt (Black and White Photography)By Elliott ErwittLocated in London, GBJack Kerouac, New York City, 1953 - Elliott Erwitt (Black and White Photography) Signed, inscribed with title and dated on accompanying artist’s label Silver gelatin print, printed l...Category
1950s Black and White Photography
MaterialsSilver Gelatin
- Reno, Nevada, 1960 (Misfits Group Photograph) - Elliott ErwittBy Elliott ErwittLocated in London, GBReno, Nevada, 1960 (Misfits Group Photograph) - Elliott Erwitt Signed, inscribed with title and dated on accompanying artist’s label Silver gelatin print, printed later Available in...Category
20th Century Photography
MaterialsSilver Gelatin
Recently Viewed
View AllRead More
Kali Is an Art World Sensation, 40 Years after She Hid Her Work Away
A newly discovered trove of her kaleidoscopic works reveals that the enigmatic artist captured the zeitgeist of 1960s Southern California.
Inside the Bubble of Melvin Sokolsky
In the early 1960s, the photographer captured elegant models soaring through the air and floating in bubbles over Paris and New York. Now, we reveal the secrets behind his magical compositions.