Ellen von Unwerth is a director and photographer whose bold and erotic images of women have left an indelible mark on the visual landscape of the fashion world.
Born in Frankfurt, Germany, von Unwerth was a model in Paris for nearly a decade before turning to photography. Her 1989 images of Claudia Schiffer for a Guess jeans campaign, echoing the playfully feminine style of 1950s pinups, earned both Schiffer and von Unwerth wide attention. Over the years, her work has been featured regularly in magazines like Interview, Vanity Fair, Vogue, I-D and The Face, appearing on covers and in both editorial and commercial contexts. In 1991, she won first prize at the International Festival of Fashion Photography.
Von Unwerth’s 1995 photoshoot of Drew Barrymore for Playboy magazine is among her most popular work and, coupled with an array of album covers for such artists as Janet Jackson and Britney Spears, gave her standing as a celebrity photographer beyond the borders of the fashion world. Von Unwerth’s pictures have a distinctive look and feel, with saturated colors and dense compositions, while also, in certain cases, paying homage to great photographers of the 20th century.
The 2015 Tree of Love, Bavaria, in which a nude model reclines inside the heart-shaped hollow of an enormous decaying trunk, recalls Edward Weston’s sensuous use of the body’s geometry in his compositions. And the dramatically lit Tic Tac Toe from 2010, showing a scantily clad woman posing on a city street at night, evokes Helmut Newton’s atmospheric photograph of a model wearing Yves St. Laurent’s Le Smoking jacket, shot for French Vogue in 1975.
Von Unwerth has published several books of her photographs, including Revenge, in 2003, and Fräulein, in 2009. Those volumes have been joined by one showcasing the photos of her series “Heimat,” in which she playfully combines visual tropes of traditional Bavarian life with her signature eroticism and wit. She is represented by several dealers, including the Staley-Wise Gallery, in New York, and Galerie Trabant, in Kitzbühel, Austria.
Find original Ellen von Unwerth photography on 1stDibs.
Haute Couture, Paris, 1991, Ellen Von Unwerth
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This fabulous photogragh was taken by Ellen von Unwerth, notable German photographer. It was shot on a movie set in 1991. The photo portrays 2 women, on the set of a movie, in Folli...
Glass, Paper
Price Upon Request
Supermodel Claudia Schiffer from the side, without top and bare back
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
Nude portrait of the supermodel under a sun shade - look from the side, without top and bare back Claudia Schiffer. The artwork is made and signed by the artist in a strictly limited...
Archival Pigment
Price Upon Request
Baccarat - Maid Crawling over a Luxurious Table Setting, Fine Art Photography
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
MAID - crawling over a set dinner table in vintage look Ellen von Unwerth is one of the most famous and influential photographers in the world. Her artistic achievements have been ho...
Archival Pigment
Price Upon Request
Kate Moss Shopping - Supermodel in front of a fridge, Fine Art Photography, 1995
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
All prints are limited edition. Available in multiple sizes. High-end framing on request. All prints are done and signed by the artist. The collector receives an additional certifica...
Archival Pigment
Price Upon Request
Bienvenue - Christina Aguilera, Close-up, Fine Art Photography, 2004
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
All prints are limited edition. Available in multiple sizes. High-end framing on request. All prints are done and signed by the artist. The collector receives an additional certifica...
Archival Pigment
Madonna, Material Girl, Close-up, Fine Art Photography
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
Madonna, Material Girl, close-up of the popstar by Ellen von Unwerth. All prints are limited edition. Available in multiple sizes. High-end framing on request. All prints are done an...
Archival Pigment
Price Upon Request
Untitled
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
Ellen von Unwerth is one of the most famous and influential photographers in the world. Her artistic achievements have been honored with truly great photography awards. She discovere...
Price Upon Request
Delicacies - Model in Lingerie with Sweets, Fine Art Photography, 2019
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
Closeup of a Model in vintage Lingerie standing in a kitchen next to Cakes and Sweets, photographed by Ellen von Unwerth in 2019. All prints are limited edition. Available in multipl...
Archival Pigment
Price Upon Request
The Last Tango - two nude models dancing, b&w fine art photography, 1992
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
Other sizes and high-end framing on request. Ellen von Unwerth is one of the world's most famous and influential photographers. Her artistic achievements have been honored with truly...
Archival Pigment
Price Upon Request
Eva Herzigova, Smoking in Bed - Nude Model Smoking, Fine Art Photography, 1994
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
All prints are limited edition. Available in multiple sizes. High-end framing on request. All prints are done and signed by the artist. The collector receives an additional certifica...
Archival Pigment
Kate Moss Shopping II, Paris, Fine Art Photography, 1995
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
Other sizes and high end framing on request. Kate Moss has starred in Unwerth’s works numerous times, and together, they have been creating some of the most iconic images of the ‘90s...
Archival Pigment
Price Upon Request
Claudia Schiffer in Bathtub
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
Portrait of supermodel Claudia Schiffer in 60s style with her hair up like Brigitte Bardot. All prints are limited edition. Available in multiple sizes. High-end framing on request....
Archival Pigment
Price Upon Request
Above 40 - Semi Nude with Corset and Popsicle, Fine Art Photography, 2014
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
Semi nude of a blonde model in black and white lingerie with corset in yellow interior, photographed by Ellen von Unwerth in 2014. All prints are limited edition. Available in multip...
Archival Pigment
Price Upon Request
Revival, from the Story of Olga - nude on pink sofa, fine art photography, 2011
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
All prints are limited edition. Available in multiple sizes. High-end framing on request. All prints are done and signed by the artist. The collector receives an additional certificate of authenticity from the gallery. "Revival, From the Story of Olga" by Ellen von Unwerth is a dreamy color fine art print that presents a scene of opulent decadence and sensuality, drawing viewers into the captivating world of Olga. Olga reclines on a sumptuous pink chaise lounge...
Archival Pigment
Price Upon Request
Claudia Schiffer - Hells Angels, Bike Polaroid, Fine Art Photography, 1989
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
Claudia Schiffer on a motorbike, photographed by Ellen von Unwerth. All prints are limited edition. Available in multiple sizes. High-end framing on request. All prints are done an...
Archival Pigment
Price Upon Request
Christy Turlington & Linda Evangelista - Fine Art Photography
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
Two Models, black and white, Christy Turlington and Linda Evangelista on a boat, photographed by Ellen von Unwerth. All prints are limited edition. Available in multiple sizes. High...
Archival Pigment
Price Upon Request
Guess Who, Claudia Schiffer for Guess, Nashville - Fine Art Photography, 1989
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
Claudia Schiffer in jeans and bra, standing on a car. Photographed by Ellen von Unwerth for the 'Guess Who' Campaign in 1989. All prints are limited edition. Available in multiple si...
Archival Pigment
Price Upon Request
Champagne O'Clock - Nude in Heels in Mirrored Hall, Fine Art Photography, 2016
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
Nude black and white Portrait of Topmodel Claudia Schiffer, photographed by Ellen von Unwerth in Deauville in 1990. All prints are limited edition. Available in multiple sizes. High-...
Archival Pigment
Price Upon Request
Naughty Santa, Fine Art Photography
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
Naughty Santa, photographed by Ellen von Unwerth. All prints are limited edition. Available in multiple sizes. High-end framing on request. All prints are done and signed by the a...
Archival Pigment
Price Upon Request
Little Beast 2, Story of Olga, Fine Art Photography
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
Provocative picture of two disguised models in rose underwear and with bunny ears on a sofa. Ellen von Unwerth is one of the most famous and influential photographers in the world. H...
Archival Pigment
Fun in the snow IIII - Heimat, Fine Art Photography, 2015
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
Fun in the snow IIII, photographed by Ellen von Unwerth for her 'Heimat' Series in 2015. All prints are limited edition. Available in multiple sizes. High-end framing on request. ...
Archival Pigment
Price Upon Request
Kisses - Heimat, Fine Art Photography, 2015
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
Kisses, photographed by Ellen von Unwerth for her 'Heimat' Series in 2015. All prints are limited edition. Available in multiple sizes. High-end framing on request. All prints are...
Archival Pigment
Fun in the snow III - Heimat, Fine Art Photography, 2015
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
Fun in the snow III, photographed by Ellen von Unwerth for her 'Heimat' Series in 2015. All prints are limited edition. Available in multiple sizes. High-end framing on request. A...
Archival Pigment
Price Upon Request
Dinner, The Story of Olga, Fine Art Photography, 2010-12
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
Black and white photography of a threesome by the extraordinary Ellen Von Unwerth for her Photo Series The Story of Olga. All prints are limited edition. Available in multiple sizes...
Archival Pigment
Fun in the snow - Heimat, Fine Art Photography, 2015
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
Fun in the snow, photographed by Ellen von Unwerth for her 'Heimat' Series in 2015. All prints are limited edition. Available in multiple sizes. High-end framing on request. All p...
Archival Pigment
Cat on the back - Heimat, Fine Art Photography, 2015
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
Snowy Sled, photographed by Ellen von Unwerth for her 'Heimat' Series in 2015. All prints are limited edition. Available in multiple sizes. High-end framing on request. All prints...
Archival Pigment
Price Upon Request
Snowy Sled - Heimat, Fine Art Photography, 2015
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
Snowy Sled, photographed by Ellen von Unwerth for her 'Heimat' Series in 2015. All prints are limited edition. Available in multiple sizes. High-end framing on request. All prints...
Archival Pigment
Fun in the snow I - Heimat, Fine Art Photography, 2015
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
Fun in the snow I, photographed by Ellen von Unwerth for her 'Heimat' Series in 2015. All prints are limited edition. Available in multiple sizes. High-end framing on request. All...
Archival Pigment
Price Upon Request
Cuddling Dog - Heimat, Fine Art Photography, 2015
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
Cuddling dog, photographed by Ellen von Unwerth for her 'Heimat' Series in 2015. All prints are limited edition. Available in multiple sizes. High-end framing on request. All prin...
Archival Pigment
Fun in the snow II - Heimat, Fine Art Photography, 2015
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
Fun in the snow II, photographed by Ellen von Unwerth for her 'Heimat' Series in 2015. All prints are limited edition. Available in multiple sizes. High-end framing on request. Al...
Archival Pigment
Price Upon Request
Madonna - portrait of the star and icon of music
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
Madonna - portrait of the star and icon of music The artwork is made and signed by the artist in a limited edition of 3. It is framed high-end in a black hardwood box with 99% UV-res...
Archival Pigment
Price Upon Request
Untitled - colorful portrait of a model from behind wearing a corset
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
Untitled - colorful portrait of a model from behind wearing a corset Ellen von Unwerth is one of the most famous and influential photographers in the world. Her artistic achievements...
Archival Pigment
Price Upon Request
'Revenge White' - Seminude with White Corset, Fne Art Photography, 2002
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
All prints are limited edition. Available in multiple sizes. High-end framing on request. All prints are done and signed by the artist. The collector receives an additional certifica...
Archival Pigment
Price Upon Request
'Claudia Schiffer Mykonos' - in Dessous, fine art photography, 1997
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
All prints are limited edition. Available in multiple sizes. High-end framing on request. All prints are done and signed by the artist. The collector receives an additional certifica...
Archival Pigment
Price Upon Request
Kate Moss - the supermodel kneeling in front of a fridge holding a cucumber
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
High-end framing available on request. Ellen von Unwerth is one of the most famous and influential photographers in the world. Her artistic achievements have been honored with truly ...
Archival Pigment
Price Upon Request
Little Beast - Model Posing in Pink Latex Dress, High Heels, and Bunny Ears
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
All prints are limited edition. Available in multiple sizes. High-end framing on request. All prints are done and signed by the artist. The collector receives an additional certifica...
Archival Pigment
Price Upon Request
Playboy Bunnies, NYC - Models in front of a mirror, Fine Art Photography, 1995
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
Black and white photograph of two Models in Playboy Bunny costumes standing in front of a mirror, photographed by Ellen von Unwerth in 1995. All prints are limited edition. Available...
Archival Pigment
Price Upon Request
Meow, Jessica Chastain - Color Portait with Lace Mask, Fine Art Photography
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
Portrait of the redhead actress and Oscar nominee wearing a lace hairband with cat ears in front of a turquoise/blue background. Ellen von Unwerth is one of the most famous and influ...
Archival Pigment
Price Upon Request
Morning Beauty (Claudia Schiffer)
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
A portrait of this famous supermodel with open blond long hair- posing in front of a window, covered with a pink curtain. Ellen von Unwerth is one of the most famous and influential ...
Archival Pigment
Price Upon Request
Kate Moss Smoking - b&w Nude Portrait of Supermodel, Fine Art Photography, 1996
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
All prints are limited edition. Available in multiple sizes. High-end framing on request. All prints are done and signed by the artist. The collector receives an additional certifica...
Archival Pigment
Price Upon Request
Tree of Love - Heimat Series - Limited Edition Fine Art Photography
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
Sensual, poetic, and deeply symbolic, “Tree of Love” reveals Ellen von Unwerth’s talent for transforming the natural world into a stage for intimacy and desire. Framed within the hol...
Archival Pigment
Price Upon Request
Squeeze and Shape - Heimat Series - Limited Edition Fine Art Photography
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
Playful, provocative, and unapologetically bold, “Squeeze and Shape” captures Ellen von Unwerth’s unmistakable celebration of feminine confidence and theatrical glamour. Set against ...
Archival Pigment
Price Upon Request
Sangria - Limited Edition Fine Art Photography
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
Two women cuddled up in a bathtub full of strawberries - Ellen von Unwerth's visual language is unmistakable. With the perfect balance of innocence and sex, beautiful women, and prov...
Archival Pigment
Price Upon Request
Peaches - Limited Edition Fine Art Photography
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
Ellen von Unwerth is known for her erotic images, always playing with female sexuality, innocence, and the forbidden. Most of Unwerth's works portray their subjects as dominant, a po...
Archival Pigment
Kate and David - Limited Edition Fine Art Photography
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
This photograph is part of an iconic series the famous contemporary photographer Ellen von Unwerth created in 2003 for Q-Magazine. It combines two legends, Kate Moss and David Bowie,...
Archival Pigment
Price Upon Request
German Fries - Heimat Series - Limited Edition Fine Art Photography
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
Heimat by Ellen von Unwerth is a visually stunning exploration of Bavarian culture through a glamorous, playful, and provocative lens. Drawing inspiration from her upbringing in the ...
Archival Pigment
Price Upon Request
Freshly Bloomed - Heimat series - Limited Edition Fine Art Photography
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
“Freshly Bloomed” by Ellen von Unwerth is a vibrant and exuberant celebration of femininity, color, and playful sensuality. Captured in von Unwerth’s unmistakable high-energy style, ...
Archival Pigment
Price Upon Request
Claudia Schiffer for Guess - Portrait in Lace Top, Fine Art Photography, 1989
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
In the early 1990s, when Hollywood actresses populated magazine covers, Ellen von Unwerth was influential in the birth of the "Supermodel" cult. She is the photographer who helped ca...
Archival Pigment
Banana Boat - Limited Edition Fine Art Photography, 2015
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
Ellen von Unwerth embarks on a nostalgically playful photographic journey through her Bavarian homeland in her series' Heimat.' Amidst the picturesque scenery, she captures numerous ...
Archival Pigment
Price Upon Request
Crash: Elle Macpherson, New York
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in New York, NY
Signed by the photographer on label of authenticity
Silver Gelatin
Price Upon Request
Naughty Santa, Fine Art Photography
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
Naughty Santa, photographed by Ellen von Unwerth. All prints are limited edition. Available in multiple sizes. High-end framing on request. All prints are done and signed by the a...
Archival Pigment
Fun in the snow - Heimat, Fine Art Photography, 2015
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
Fun in the snow, photographed by Ellen von Unwerth for her 'Heimat' Series in 2015. All prints are limited edition. Available in multiple sizes. High-end framing on request. All p...
Archival Pigment
Fun in the snow I - Heimat, Fine Art Photography, 2015
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
Fun in the snow I, photographed by Ellen von Unwerth for her 'Heimat' Series in 2015. All prints are limited edition. Available in multiple sizes. High-end framing on request. All...
Archival Pigment
Fun in the snow II - Heimat, Fine Art Photography, 2015
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
Fun in the snow II, photographed by Ellen von Unwerth for her 'Heimat' Series in 2015. All prints are limited edition. Available in multiple sizes. High-end framing on request. Al...
Archival Pigment
Fun in the snow III - Heimat, Fine Art Photography, 2015
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
Fun in the snow III, photographed by Ellen von Unwerth for her 'Heimat' Series in 2015. All prints are limited edition. Available in multiple sizes. High-end framing on request. A...
Archival Pigment
Fun in the snow IIII - Heimat, Fine Art Photography, 2015
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
Fun in the snow IIII, photographed by Ellen von Unwerth for her 'Heimat' Series in 2015. All prints are limited edition. Available in multiple sizes. High-end framing on request. ...
Archival Pigment
Cat on the back - Heimat, Fine Art Photography, 2015
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
Snowy Sled, photographed by Ellen von Unwerth for her 'Heimat' Series in 2015. All prints are limited edition. Available in multiple sizes. High-end framing on request. All prints...
Archival Pigment
Price Upon Request
Snowy Sled - Heimat, Fine Art Photography, 2015
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
Snowy Sled, photographed by Ellen von Unwerth for her 'Heimat' Series in 2015. All prints are limited edition. Available in multiple sizes. High-end framing on request. All prints...
Archival Pigment
Price Upon Request
Cuddling Dog - Heimat, Fine Art Photography, 2015
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
Cuddling dog, photographed by Ellen von Unwerth for her 'Heimat' Series in 2015. All prints are limited edition. Available in multiple sizes. High-end framing on request. All prin...
Archival Pigment
Price Upon Request
Kisses - Heimat, Fine Art Photography, 2015
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
Kisses, photographed by Ellen von Unwerth for her 'Heimat' Series in 2015. All prints are limited edition. Available in multiple sizes. High-end framing on request. All prints are...
Archival Pigment