Mid-20th Century Portrait Photography

An original silver gelatin black and white photograph by Robert Cohen for AGIP. Brigitte Bardot in 1967. Features: Original silver gelatin print photograph unframed. Press photograph...

Silver Gelatine Print by Erich Andres, ca 1950. Andres was born 1905 in Germany and passed away 1992. He started his career as a photographer in 1920. He was one of the first photogr...

Portrait of Elsa Morante is a black and white vintage photo, realized in 1950s. The photo depicts Elsa Morante, an Italian writer , essayist , poet and translator , among the most i...

Vintage Photo. The Italian Actress Nicoletta Machiavelli in a photograph by Ansa.

REGGIE KRAY & GRANDFATHER JIMMY ‘CANNONBALL’ LEE – LONDON 1967 signed limited edition silver gelatin print Reggie Kray of the London gangster duo the Krays twins - shot by Duffy sparring with his Grandad – The infamous bare-knuckle boxer Jimmy ‘Cannonball’ Lee in London’s East End 1967. AT DUFFY’S MEMORIAL SERVICE LORD DAVID PUTTNAM ADDRESSED THE FAMILY AND FRIENDS OF DUFFY AND SAID ‘THE WORLD NEEDS MORE DUFFY’S.’ HE THEN WENT ON TO CALL HIM A MAVERICK, SOMEBODY WHO WAS PREPARED TO TAKE RISKS WITH HIS ART FORM AND DESCRIBED DUFFY AS A ‘SUPREMELY TALENTED AND ESOTERIC MAN.’ ‘A man who thrived on risks and challenges, who lived to create.’ In 2013 Duffy was voted as one of the top most 100 influential photographer’s of all time and he richly deserves that title. When Duffy felt he had pushed the boundaries as far as he could and was no longer satisfied with stills photography he abruptly shut his studio, attempted to burn all of his negatives and moved into commercials. Despite repeated requests to return to still photography, give interviews or discuss his career, he became reclusive and his remaining negatives would have stayed in boxes under the stairs had it not been for the persistence of his eldest son, Chris. Chris realised that Duffy’s name was slowly slipping into obscurity and regularly tried to persuade him to do something with his remaining archive. It wasn’t until 2006 when Duffy was diagnosed with the degenerative lung disease Pulmonary Fibrosis that he finally gave Chris the green light to start putting the archive together. The process was a labour of love for the first few years. Organising, scanning and databasing his negatives took many hours whilst Chris was running his own photographic studio. In 2009 the opportunity to exhibit at Chris Beetles Gallery in Mayfair London (now Beetles & Huxley) gave Duffy the platform for his first ever exhibition which was hailed with great critical acclaim. The exhibition ignited an incredible interest in his work and there were regular queues to see the show. During the process of putting the exhibition together, the BBC commissioned a documentary on Duffy’s life and work which aired in 2010. Chris then started on the first monograph but sadly Duffy was never to see this and passed away on 31st May 2010. Since 2010 Duffy’s work has been exhibited in numerous museums and galleries around the world. In 2012 the Victoria and Albert Museum requested use of the original Aladdin Sane record cover ‘dye transfer’ print for their British Design 1948-2012 cultural exhibition. In 2013 the V&A approached the archive for use of the newly released ‘Eyes Open’ version as the lead image for the ‘David Bowie is’ exhibition. This exhibition has achieved record breaking numbers in several venues and has been seen by over 1.5 million visitors. Duffy’s name has now become recognised by an international audience and is now firmly back on the map. In 2014 Duffy’s second book was released – Duffy Bowie: Five Sessions which covers his work with David Bowie. Written by Chris Duffy and Kevin Cann the book explores the chemistry and creation of these five iconic sets of images illustrated with interviews from people who were directly involved. The book is also available in French and Italian. The archive is made up of negatives and contact sheets that have been retrieved from numerous UK and international publications; Vogue, French Elle, Glamour, The Sunday Times, The Telegraph to name but a few in addition to work held by independent archives. The process of exhibiting Duffy’s work continues and the future holds several more book projects illuminating Duffy’s eclectic and influential work. ARCHIVE TIMELINE 2008 The Duffy Archive was established by Chris Duffy. 2009 BBC Documentary “The Man Who Shot The Sixties” One hour documentary on Duffy’s life and work. First exhibition at Chris Beetles Gallery Mayfair, London (now Beetles & Huxley)* See Exhibits page for full list of exhibition since 2009
 2010 Duffy passed away 31st May 2010 2011 Publication of first monograph “Duffy Photographer” Published by ACC Editions features over 160 iconic images from the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s and in 2011 the V&A Museum London requested Duffy prints for their permanent collection.
 2012 Solo Exhibitions and contributions in Italy, Paris, Amsterdam, Spain, San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York, London and Australia. See Exhibitions section for more exhibits. 2013 David Bowie Is launched at the V&A Museum with Aladdin Sane as the lead image. Also named as one of one hundred ‘most influential photographers of all time’ by the British Journal of Photography. See Exhibitions section for more exhibits. 2014 Publication of Duffy / Bowie – “Five Sessions” Published by ACC Editions. Publication of French Elle – “In The Eyes of Brian Duffy” – Published in French by Glenat. David Bowie Is V&A Exhibition goes on tour to: Sao Paulo, Berlin and Chicago. See Exhibitions section for more exhibits. 2015 David Bowie 'Is' continues to tour Paris, Australia and the Netherlands.
 See Exhibitions section for more exhibits. 2016 David Bowie 'Is' continues to tour Italy and Japan. See Exhibitions section for more exhibits. 2017 David Bowie 'Is' reaches Barcelona. The Archive also contributed to Holden Luntz Gallery...

A black-and-white 12" x 8" vintage photograph of Editor-in-chief Hugh Hefner checking proofs for Playboy magazine, 1966 by Burt Glinn. A historical photo...

This mid-1950s portrait photograph, captured by society photographer Slim Aarons, features Jim Kimberly and Kim Wadsworth at the Beverly Hills Hotel, California. This is an estate ...

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...

Black and white film still of Marilyn Monroe and Arthur Connell in "Bus Stop", circa 1956. -- One-of-a-kind original vintage press print from the Celebrity Vault archives. Own a pie...

This piece is an original color photograph that was hand developed from the original negative by Bert Stern. This photo is part of The Last Sitting portfolio, taken six weeks before Marilyn Monroe...

'Pool At El Venerol' 1967 Slim Aarons Limited Edition Estate Stamped Print Guests by the pool at 'El Venerol', the villa of Hector and Chico de Ayala, Marbella, Spain, August 1967....

Historical Photo -  Haile Selassie and Emilio Colombo is a black and white vintage photo, realized in the mid-20th century.  It belongs to a historical album including historical mo...

This black and white portrait features Frank Sinatra posed for his role in "Robin and the 7 Hoods" with a classical telephone. Frank Sinatra was an American singer, actor, and produ...

Black and white portrait of blonde bombshell actress Marilyn Monroe seated at a dinner event. Marilyn Monroe was an American actress, model, and singer. Famous for playing comedic "...

Historical Photo - Dukes of Winsor, Wedding is a black and white vintage photo, realized in 1937.  It belongs to a historical album including historical moments, royal families, and...

Stunning studio portrait of star actress Marilyn Monroe posed in a satin chemise, gazing to the camera. -- One-of-a-kind original vintage press print from the Celebrity Vault archives. Own a piece of history and kick-start your collection with our one-of-a-kind pieces of your favorite celebrities. -- "The Marilyn Monroe community was shocked and stunned at the untimely passing of truly one of the greatest Monroe sculptors of all time, Kim Goodwin...

Awesome capture of the Rolling Stones backstage in their younger years. The Rolling Stones are an English rock band formed in London in 1962. As a diverging act to the popular pop-...

DINNER AT EIGHT, Jean Harlow, 1933/ Everett Collection. stunning and vivid photograph of the first sex symbol, Jean Harlow. 12x16 inches Archival Pigment...

Bettina Graziani (1964) Limited Edition Estate Stamped C Type Print (Photo By Slim Aarons) French fashion model Bettina Graziani (Simone Micheline Bodin) (1925 – 2015) adjusting t...

Vintage candid image of The King, Elvis Presley photographed early in his career in 1956 in Memphis Tennessee by Lloyd Dinkins. Elvis Aaron Presley, also known simply as Elvis, was...

Candid image of Hollywood star Brigitte Bardot smoking while sitting next to a candelabra in the dark. This listing is for a limited edition archival print. What's included: - Limi...

This early 1990s portrait photograph, captured by society photographer Slim Aarons, features the Belgian born actress Audrey Hepburn (1929 - 1993) socialising at a party in San Francisco. This is an estate stamp...

 Elizabeth II and  Ayub Kahn is  a black and white vintage press, realized in in February 2nd. 1961. The photo depicts an official moment of the English Crown. Elizabeth II and Ayub...

James Dean posed leaning with his hand on a fence post while filming a scene for "Giant", 1955. Giant was the last of James Dean's three films as a leading actor and earned him his second and last Academy Award nomination - he was killed in a car crash before the film was released. Nick Adams was called in to do some voice dubbing for Dean's role in "Giant". After he died in a car crash, Dean became the first actor to receive a posthumous Academy Award nomination for Best Actor and remains the only actor to have had two posthumous acting nominations. In 1999the American Film Institute ranked him the 18th best male movie star of Golden Age Hollywood...

Hollywood Boulevard is a photograph realized in the 1960s. Good conditions. The artwork is depicted in a well-balanced composition.

Louis Armstrong - Vintage Photo is a vintage black and white photograph realized in the 1960s. Good conditions except for some discoloring on the top.

Fori Imperiali, Rome is a black and white vintage photo, realized in the mid-20th Century. Good conditions and aged. It belongs to a historical and nostalgic album including histor...

Dinner Jazz (1949) - Silver Gelatin Fibre Print - Limited Estate Stamped (Photo by Slim Aarons/Getty Images) Premium Rates Apply. 1949: American Jazz trumpeter and singer Louis Arm...

Black and white vintage photograph of Oleg Cassini and Grace Kelly at the premiere of Alfred Hitchcock's "Rear Window" in 1954. This listing is for a limited edition archival print...

Classic black and white promotional still of Adam West for his role as Batman, and Yvonne Joyce Craig for her role as Batgirl, circa 1967. Batman is an American live-action televisi...

Black and white film still of Marilyn Monroe and Cary Grant in "Monkey Business", circa 1952. -- One-of-a-kind original vintage press print from the Celebrity Vault archives. Own a ...

This stunning studio portrait features starlet Lucille Ball posed wearing a gorgeous pearl necklace set around her neck. Lucille Ball was an American actress, comedian, model, ente...

Marilyn Candid Moment (1955) Silver Gelatin Fibre Print (Photo by Ed Feingersh/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images) NEW YORK - MARCH 1955: Actress Marilyn Monroe reads the book "To ...

This late 1960s portrait photograph, captured by society photographer Slim Aarons, features a man wearing diving equipment talking with a girl in a wicker chair on the beach, Bahamas...

This late 1960s portrait photograph, captured by society photographer Slim Aarons, features a man wearing diving equipment talking with a girl in a wicker chair on the beach, Bahamas...

This late 1960s portrait photograph, captured by society photographer Slim Aarons, features a man wearing diving equipment talking with a girl in a wicker chair on the beach, Bahamas...

This late 1960s portrait photograph, captured by society photographer Slim Aarons, features a man wearing diving equipment talking with a girl in a wicker chair on the beach, Bahamas...

This late 1960s portrait photograph, captured by society photographer Slim Aarons, features a man wearing diving equipment talking with a girl in a wicker chair on the beach, Bahamas...

This late 1960s portrait photograph, captured by society photographer Slim Aarons, features a man wearing diving equipment talking with a girl in a wicker chair on the beach, Bahamas...

This late 1960s portrait photograph, captured by society photographer Slim Aarons, features a man wearing diving equipment talking with a girl in a wicker chair on the beach, Bahamas...

Hanna Seidel (1925 to 2005) lived and worked in Argentina for many years. She was a world traveller, journeying to South America in the 1950s and to Central America, Japan, India, an...

Lord Richard Butler is a black and white vintage press print,, realized in December 16th. 1963. It belongs to a historical and nostalgic album includin...

The  Blandford  Marquis  is a black and white vintage photo, realized in 1961 . It belongs to a historical and nostalgic album including historical moments, places, families, artwor...

Autographed Portrait of Maria Andergast is a b/w photographic portrait of the German actress, Maria Andergast (Brunnthal an der Alz, Germany, 1912 – Vienna, Austria 1995) that appear...

Steptoe And A Beatle (1964) - Silver Gelatin Fibre Print (Photo by Kaye/Express/Getty Images) 5th April 1964: Beatle Paul McCartney at Marylebone, London with Wilfrid Brambell (1...

Matiz managed to create intimate portraits, in which Frida seemed happy to surrender to her lens. The result was dynamic portraits of Khalo, a wonderful example of both the photograp...

'Gorbals Boys' (1948) by Bert Hardy Limited Edition 44/300 Silver Gelatin Fibre Print Paper size 10 x 12 inches Printed later Two boys in the Gorbals area of Glasgow. The Gorbal...

Nicholsons Cafe Nicholson in New York, 1959. Paper size 50 x 50 / 127 x 127 cm Estate Stamped Collection Edition to 150 Photo by Slim Aarons Printed in 2025 Limited to 150 p...

Audrey Hepburn (1958) Silver Gelatin Fibre Print - Oversized (Photo by Pictorial Press / Alamy Archives) AUDREY HEPBURN film actress (1929-1993)...

Beautifully captured by Frank Worth, this black and white portrait features actress and sex symbol Jayne Mansfield in Las Vegas, watching a game of roulette. Jayne Mansfield was a...

Checkered Flag The checkered flag signals the end of the race during the 1963 Nassau Speed Week. Paper size 20 x 30" inches / 51 x 76 cm Estate Sta...

Candid black and white capture of star actress Marilyn Monroe posed sitting on a couch having a drink. -- One-of-a-kind original vintage press print from the Celebrity Vault archive...

A vintage 1957 image, artistically recolored, depicting music's new sensation Elvis Presley performing on stage. Elvis Aaron Presley, also known simply as Elvis, was an American si...

Audrey Hepburn posed in a large-brimmed hat for a test shot for the film Breakfast at Tiffany's. Audrey Kathleen Ruston born on the 4th of May 1929 and passed on the 20th of January 1993. She was a British actress and humanitarian. Recognized as a film and fashion icon, she was ranked by the American Film Institute as the third-greatest female screen legend in Golden Age Hollywood...

Candid black and white capture of Marilyn Monroe being interviewed at The Continental Hilton Hotel Mexico city, 1962. -- One-of-a-kind original vintage press print from the Celebrity Vault archives. Own a piece of history and kick-start your collection with our one-of-a-kind pieces of your favorite celebrities. -- "The Marilyn Monroe community was shocked and stunned at the untimely passing of truly one of the greatest Monroe sculptors of all time, Kim Goodwin...

Paul McCartney (Beatles) Taking A Birthday Picture Of Ringo Starr. The Beatles were an English rock band formed in Liverpool in 1960. The core lineup of the band comprised John Lenn...

Canada's new flag is a black and white vintage photo, realized in 1965. The photo depicts the new maple leaf flag of Canada, red on white, flying over the entrance to Canada House, ...

Black and white portrait of painter Salvador Dali standing with a cane in hand in front of one of his paintings. Salvador Dali was a Spanish surrealist artist renowned for his techn...