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Philippe Halsman Photography

Latvian, 1906-1979

Philippe Halsman’s deep interest in the human face informed a celebrated and decades-spanning career in portrait photography. Shot in black and white, his portrait photographs feature celebrities, artists, politicians and intellectuals. The iconic photographs appeared on the covers of some of the biggest magazines, including Life, Look, Esquire and Paris Match. 

Halsman was born in Riga, Latvia, in 1906. When he was 15 years old, he discovered a camera in the attic. He fell in love with taking pictures and spent most of his allowance on his new hobby. He later studied engineering, but left school before earning his degree and moved to Paris to pursue photography.

In the 1930s, Halsman lived in Montparnasse, the artistic center of Paris. He caught his first big break when he approached French writer André Gide to take his portrait. After that, many more writers and actors requested photographs, and Halsman began shooting for Vogue, Viola and Vu.

When World War II broke out, Halsman sent his pregnant wife and daughter to the United States. He could not go with them due to his Latvian passport. As luck would have it, he was pen pals with famed physicist Albert Einstein, who intervened and ensured that Halsman was granted a visa. He arrived in New York City in 1940.

In America, Halsman had to start from scratch. A turning point was when beauty tycoon Elizabeth Arden used one of his photographs to advertise her Victory Red lipstick. In the early 1940s, Halsman met artist Salvador Dalí, and the two became friends and partners. One of their most notable collaborations was the 1948 photograph Dalí Atomicus, which shows Dalí, his cats, canvas, furniture and water floating in the air.

Throughout the rest of his career, Halsman was a prolific contributor to Life magazine and his photographs were on the cover 101 times. In 1958, Popular Photography named him one of the “World’s Ten Greatest Photographers”.

On 1stDibs, find a collection of Philippe Halsman’s photography.

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Artist: Philippe Halsman
In Voluptas Mors (Dalí)
By Philippe Halsman
Located in Dallas, TX
In 1951, Salvador Dali, everyone's favorite mustachioed surrealist, teamed up with Magnum photographer Philippe Halsman to create one of the most enchanting, morbid and bizarre photo...
Category

1950s Surrealist Philippe Halsman Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper

Dali in Port Ligat, 1964
By Philippe Halsman
Located in Cologne, DE
Philippe Halsman Dali in Port Ligat, 1964
Category

1960s Modern Philippe Halsman Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

1947 Philippe Halsman photograph of Violinist Yehudi Menuhin, Hollywood
By Philippe Halsman
Located in Larchmont, NY
Philippe Halsman (Latvia born American, 1906 - 1979) Title: Yehudi Menuhin, Hollywood Date Of Negative: 1947 Sight size: 12 x 10 in. Framed: 19 3/4 x 17 3/4 in. Artist stamp verso In...
Category

1940s Modern Philippe Halsman Photography

Materials

Black and White

French poet, artist, and filmmaker Jean Cocteau with actress Ricki Soma
By Philippe Halsman
Located in New York, NY
French poet, artist, and filmmaker Jean Cocteau with actress Ricki Soma and dancer Leo Coleman New York City, 1949/printed later Estate stamp in black ink, verso Archival pigment p...
Category

1940s Contemporary Philippe Halsman Photography

Materials

Archival Pigment

Phillipe Halsman Portrait Photography Lauren Bacall Black and White Framed 1944
By Philippe Halsman
Located in Buffalo, NY
The work offered for sale here is an original vintage silver gelatin print hand created by Halsman in 1944 and exhibited at the International Center for Photography. Philippe Halsman was at one point considered the best photo-portraitist in France. He had an incessant interest in faces: “Every face I see seems to hide—and sometimes fleetingly reveal—the mystery of another human being.” Halsman’s photographs of politicians, celebrities, and intellectuals were featured widely in magazines like LIFE and Vogue. His more famous subjects included the likes of Marc Chagall, Le Corbusier, Audrey Hepburn, and Albert Einstein. He also had a 37-year collaboration with Salvador Dalí, which resulted in several famous surrealist series including the “Dalí’s Mustache” portraits...
Category

1940s Modern Philippe Halsman Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin, Photographic Paper, Wood

Dali is painting medusas head on Galas forehead
By Philippe Halsman
Located in Cologne, DE
An amazing item, with numerous stamps and notes on the back showing its active life as a press photo. The quality is fair due to decades in use. But it is absolutly unique.
Category

1950s Modern Philippe Halsman Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Fernandel
By Philippe Halsman
Located in New York, NY
Circa 1948 Portrait of Fernandel - the iconic French actor. In New York in 1948, photographer Philippe Halsman had a chance meeting with Fernandel, a French movie star from the vaud...
Category

1940s Other Art Style Philippe Halsman Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Marilyn Monroe, Jumping
By Philippe Halsman
Located in New York, NY
1954 Gelatin silver Print, vintage 14 x 11 in. Stamped on verso
Category

1950s Other Art Style Philippe Halsman Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Marilyn Crying (1950)
By Philippe Halsman
Located in Buffalo, NY
The work offered for sale here is an original vintage silver gelatin print hand created by Halsman in 1950. This work comes in an archival frame presentation. The image alone is approximately 13 x 9. The work was acquired directly from the artist and comes with a COA and lifetime guarantee. Philippe Halsman was at one point considered the best photo-portraitist in France. He had an incessant interest in faces: “Every face I see seems to hide—and sometimes fleetingly reveal—the mystery of another human being.” Halsman’s photographs of politicians, celebrities, and intellectuals were featured widely in magazines like LIFE and Vogue. His more famous subjects included the likes of Marc Chagall, Le Corbusier, Audrey Hepburn, and Albert Einstein. He also had a 37-year collaboration with Salvador Dalí, which resulted in several famous surrealist series including the “Dalí’s Mustache” portraits...
Category

1950s Modern Philippe Halsman Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin, Photographic Paper

The True Marilyn (1956)
By Philippe Halsman
Located in Buffalo, NY
The work offered for sale here is an original vintage silver gelatin print hand created by Halsman in 1956. This work comes in an archival frame presentation. The image alone is approximately 9 x 13. The work was acquired directly from the artist and comes with a COA and lifetime guarantee. Philippe Halsman was at one point considered the best photo-portraitist in France. He had an incessant interest in faces: “Every face I see seems to hide—and sometimes fleetingly reveal—the mystery of another human being.” Halsman’s photographs of politicians, celebrities, and intellectuals were featured widely in magazines like LIFE and Vogue. His more famous subjects included the likes of Marc Chagall, Le Corbusier, Audrey Hepburn, and Albert Einstein. He also had a 37-year collaboration with Salvador Dalí, which resulted in several famous surrealist series including the “Dalí’s Mustache” portraits...
Category

1950s Modern Philippe Halsman Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin, Photographic Paper

Marilyn From the Reverse
By Philippe Halsman
Located in Buffalo, NY
The work offered for sale here is an original vintage silver gelatin print hand created by Halsman in 1953. Philippe Halsman was at one point considered the best photo-portraitist in France. He had an incessant interest in faces: “Every face I see seems to hide—and sometimes fleetingly reveal—the mystery of another human being.” Halsman’s photographs of politicians, celebrities, and intellectuals were featured widely in magazines like LIFE and Vogue. His more famous subjects included the likes of Marc Chagall, Le Corbusier, Audrey Hepburn, and Albert Einstein. He also had a 37-year collaboration with Salvador Dalí, which resulted in several famous surrealist series including the “Dalí’s Mustache...
Category

1950s Modern Philippe Halsman Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin, Photographic Paper

Dali Cyclops
By Philippe Halsman
Located in Buffalo, NY
The work offered for sale here is an original vintage silver gelatin print hand created by Halsman and used as the cover proof for the "Dali Mustache Book". Philippe Halsman was at one point considered the best photo-portraitist in France. He had an incessant interest in faces: “Every face I see seems to hide—and sometimes fleetingly reveal—the mystery of another human being.” Halsman’s photographs of politicians, celebrities, and intellectuals were featured widely in magazines like LIFE and Vogue. His more famous subjects included the likes of Marc Chagall, Le Corbusier, Audrey Hepburn, and Albert Einstein. He also had a 37-year collaboration with Salvador Dalí, which resulted in several famous surrealist series including the “Dalí’s Mustache” portraits...
Category

1950s Surrealist Philippe Halsman Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Salvador Dali (Cheese)
By Philippe Halsman
Located in New York, NY
Stamped by the photographer’s studio on the reverse Please inquire about additional limited sizes and editions
Category

Mid-20th Century Philippe Halsman Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Marilyn (Glamour), Philippe Halsman
By Philippe Halsman
Located in New York, NY
Created in 1979, this original Chromogenic print  is stamped with photographer’s name and title, copyrighted and hand-numbered in pencil, verso.
 Measures 20 x 16 in. (50.8 x 40.6 cm...
Category

Mid-20th Century Philippe Halsman Photography

Materials

C Print

Marilyn-Mao
By Philippe Halsman
Located in New York, NY
All editions stamped by the photographers estate.
Category

1950s Philippe Halsman Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Unknown (Dali, A Seated Dwarf, And Models On Pedestal)
By Philippe Halsman
Located in New York, NY
Unknown (Dali, A Seated Dwarf, And Models On Pedestal) 11x14 inches
Category

Late 20th Century Philippe Halsman Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Dali's Mustache
By Philippe Halsman
Located in New York, NY
Dali's Mustache, 1953 11x14 inches Edition of 250
Category

1950s Philippe Halsman Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Dali In Port Lligat
By Philippe Halsman
Located in New York, NY
Dali In Port Lligat, 1964 11x14 inches Edition of 250
Category

1960s Philippe Halsman Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Dali Fishing
By Philippe Halsman
Located in New York, NY
Dali Fishing, 1954 11x14 inches Edition of 250
Category

1950s Philippe Halsman Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

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Previously Available Items
untitled (fashion photograph of two women)
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Alfred Hitchcock and Francois Truffaut Hollywood California USA 1962
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Gina Lollobrigida Jumping, Black and White Vintage Photograph of Hollywood 1950s
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Gina Lollobrigida jumping, c1950 by Philippe Halsman captures the zeitgeist of mid-century Hollywood. This is a 10" x 8" vintage gelatin silver photograph -- a black and white photog...
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Professor Albert Einstein, An Iconic Gelatin Silver Portrait Photograph 1940s
By Philippe Halsman
Located in New york, NY
This is a black and white portrait photograph of Professor Albert Einstein in his Study at Princeton, in 1947, by Philippe Halsman. A 14" x 11" (sheet size) hand-signed on back of ph...
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1940s Contemporary Philippe Halsman Photography

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Marilyn Monroe, Vintage Gelatin Silver Photograph 1950s of Actress with Barbells
By Philippe Halsman
Located in New york, NY
A black and white portrait photograph of one of the most famous celebrities of the 20th century -- actress Marilyn Monroe with Barbells, 1952 by Philippe Halsman. This is a signed (verso) vintage gelatin silver print - with photographer's copyright stamp, signature, and hand-written title "Marilyn Monroe Lifting Barbells" verso (back of photo). In mid-century America and internationally known Marilyn Monroe became a favorite muse for photographers such as Ernst Haas, Philippe Halsman, and Bert Stern who immortalized her through their images. With her breathy voice and hourglass figure, Monroe remains today a larger than life personality and Hollywood star still appreciated worldwide. MM exuded sensuality and vulnerability for an adoring public but the American goddess...
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Marilyn Monroe, Iconic Gelatin Silver Photograph of Hollywood Actress for TIME
By Philippe Halsman
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A black and white iconic portrait photograph of Hollywood actress Marilyn Monroe by Philippe Halsman, selected for the cover of life magazine, 1952. This is a 16" x 12" lifetime print from the 1970s, signed by Philippe Halsman on verso (back of photo). In mid-century America and internationally well-known Marilyn Monroe became a favorite muse for photographers such as Ernst Haas, Philippe Halsman, and Bert Stern who immortalized her through their images. ’With her breathy voice and hourglass figure, Monroe remains today a larger than life personality and Hollywood star still appreciated worldwide. MM exuded sensuality and vulnerability for an adoring public but the American goddess...
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1950s Contemporary Philippe Halsman Photography

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Photographic Film, Photographic Paper, Silver Gelatin

Phillipe Halsma Marilyn Monroe Jumping Photograph Black and White (1956/1981)
By Philippe Halsman
Located in Buffalo, NY
The work offered for sale here is an original vintage silver gelatin print created from Halsman's original negatives in 1981 by the artists estate. This pieces comes stamped and han...
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1980s Modern Philippe Halsman Photography

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Photographic Paper, Silver Gelatin

Ballerina Enrica Soma, Hollywood, 1949
By Philippe Halsman
Located in Soquel, CA
Enrica Soma (May 9, 1929 – January 29, 1969) was an American socialite, model, and prima-ballerina. She was also the wife of director John Huston and mother of actress Anjelica Husto...
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1940s Realist Philippe Halsman Photography

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Mohammad Ali
By Philippe Halsman
Located in Buffalo, NY
A very rare original vintage photograph hand signed and printed by Halsman. Included in this presentation is a hotel card with a personalized note and signature by Mohammad Ali. ...
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1960s American Modern Philippe Halsman Photography

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Photographic Paper, Silver Gelatin

Dali Atomicus
By Philippe Halsman
Located in Buffalo, NY
The work offered for sale here is an original vintage silver gelatin print hand created and hand signed by Halsman in the 1970's from the 1948 negative. The title of the photograp...
Category

1940s Surrealist Philippe Halsman Photography

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Photographic Paper, Silver Gelatin

Einstein with Children
By Philippe Halsman
Located in Buffalo, NY
The work offered for sale here is an original vintage silver gelatin print hand created by Halsman in 1949 and exhibited at the International Center for Photography. Philippe Halsman was at one point considered the best photo-portraitist in France. He had an incessant interest in faces: “Every face I see seems to hide—and sometimes fleetingly reveal—the mystery of another human being.” Halsman’s photographs of politicians, celebrities, and intellectuals were featured widely in magazines like LIFE and Vogue. His more famous subjects included the likes of Marc Chagall, Le Corbusier, Audrey Hepburn, and Albert Einstein. He also had a 37-year collaboration with Salvador Dalí, which resulted in several famous surrealist series including the “Dalí’s Mustache” portraits...
Category

1940s Modern Philippe Halsman Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper, Silver Gelatin

Philippe Halsman photography for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a wide variety of authentic Philippe Halsman photography available for sale on 1stDibs. You can also browse by medium to find art by Philippe Halsman in silver gelatin print, paper, photographic paper and more. Much of the original work by this artist or collective was created during the 20th century and is mostly associated with the modern style. Not every interior allows for large Philippe Halsman photography, so small editions measuring 6 inches across are available. Customers who are interested in this artist might also find the work of Lucien Clergue, Leo Matiz, and Ed Feingersh. Philippe Halsman photography prices can differ depending upon medium, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $488 and tops out at $9,500, while the average work can sell for $5,000.

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