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Ellen von Unwerth Art

German, b. 1954

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.

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Artist: Ellen von Unwerth
Just Checking: Long Island, 1997

Just Checking: Long Island, 1997

By Ellen von Unwerth

Located in New York, NY

signed by the photographer

Category

1990s Ellen von Unwerth Art

Materials

Photographic Paper

Place des Vosges, Paris, 2023

Place des Vosges, Paris, 2023

By Ellen von Unwerth

Located in New York, NY

Signed by the photographer

Category

2010s Ellen von Unwerth Art

Materials

Photographic Paper

Fallen Party Angel, Paris, 2012

Fallen Party Angel, Paris, 2012

By Ellen von Unwerth

Located in New York, NY

Signed by the photographer

Category

2010s Ellen von Unwerth Art

Materials

Photographic Paper

Invitation Only, Paris, 2007

Invitation Only, Paris, 2007

By Ellen von Unwerth

Located in New York, NY

Signed by the photographer

Category

Early 2000s Ellen von Unwerth Art

Materials

Photographic Paper

Heidi, Kitzbuhel, 2003

Heidi, Kitzbuhel, 2003

By Ellen von Unwerth

Located in New York, NY

Signed by the photographer

Category

Early 2000s Ellen von Unwerth Art

Materials

Photographic Paper

Joy, New York, 2012

Joy, New York, 2012

By Ellen von Unwerth

Located in New York, NY

Signed by the photographer

Category

2010s Ellen von Unwerth Art

Materials

Photographic Paper

POP Princess, London, 2012

POP Princess, London, 2012

By Ellen von Unwerth

Located in New York, NY

Signed by the photographer

Category

2010s Ellen von Unwerth Art

Materials

Photographic Paper

Tête-à-Tête, Paris, 2008

Tête-à-Tête, Paris, 2008

By Ellen von Unwerth

Located in New York, NY

Signed by the photographer

Category

Early 2000s Ellen von Unwerth Art

Materials

Photographic Paper

Bubbly
Bubbly

Bubbly

By Ellen von Unwerth

Located in New York, NY

Ed. 2/3, signed, titled, dated, numbered in ink. Includes black frame. Ellen von Unwerth is a director and photographer who started out working as a fashion model. She was born in Frankfurt, Germany, and began modeling at the age of 20. After being noticed by a photographer on the street, she moved to Paris to begin a career as a fashion model. During her years as a model, she started to feel that the industry was missing an element of freedom. After receiving a camera as a gift from her boyfriend, she began to take her own pictures, which eventually led to an improvised photo-shoot in Africa of her model colleagues. Von Unwerth developed a passion for photography after seeing the published photos of her colleagues. She became famous for her work when she was hired by Guess to shoot an up-and-coming model named Claudia Shchiffer. This photo-shoot created a huge demand for her services in the industry. Since then, von Unwerth has gone on to photograph numerous celebrities and entertainers and has worked for leading magazines like Vogue, Interview, Vanity Fair, The Face, L’Uomo Vogue...

Category

1990s Ellen von Unwerth Art

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Tête-à-tête, VOGUE Gioiello

Tête-à-tête, VOGUE Gioiello

By Ellen von Unwerth

Located in New York, NY

Signed by the photographer

Category

Early 2000s Ellen von Unwerth Art

Materials

Photographic Paper

I Did It My Way

I Did It My Way

By Ellen von Unwerth

Located in New York, NY

Signed by the photographer

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Ellen von Unwerth Art

Materials

Photographic Paper

Gaga Incognito

Gaga Incognito

By Ellen von Unwerth

Located in New York, NY

Signed by the photographer Please inquire about additional limited sizes and editions

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Ellen von Unwerth Art

Materials

Archival Pigment

Follow Me, Paris, 2004

Follow Me, Paris, 2004

By Ellen von Unwerth

Located in New York, NY

Signed by the photographer Edition of 15

Category

Early 2000s Ellen von Unwerth Art

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Playboy Bunnies, NYC - Models in front of a mirror, Fine Art Photography, 1995
Playboy Bunnies, NYC - Models in front of a mirror, Fine Art Photography, 1995

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...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Ellen von Unwerth Art

Materials

Archival Pigment

Tree of Love - Nude in a Heart Shaped Tree Trunk, Fine Art Photography, 2015
Tree of Love - Nude in a Heart Shaped Tree Trunk, Fine Art Photography, 2015

Tree of Love - Nude in a Heart Shaped Tree Trunk, Fine Art Photography, 2015

By Ellen von Unwerth

Located in Vienna, AT

A Nude Model cuddles into a hollow Tree Trunk in the shape of a heart, photographed by Ellen von Unwerth in 2015 for her Heimat Series. All prints are limited edition. Available in m...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Ellen von Unwerth Art

Materials

Archival Pigment

Deep Down in Chinatown, New York

Deep Down in Chinatown, New York

By Ellen von Unwerth

Located in New York, NY

Fuji Crystal Archival Print. Signed by the photographer. Additional sizes may be available upon request.

Category

2010s Ellen von Unwerth Art

Materials

Photographic Paper

Sangria - two models taking a bath with strawberries, fine art photography, 2010
Sangria - two models taking a bath with strawberries, fine art photography, 2010

Sangria - two models taking a bath with strawberries, fine art photography, 2010

By Ellen von Unwerth

Located in Vienna, AT

Sangria - two nude models taking a bath with strawberries. A fantastic artwork by Ellen von Unwerth available in a limited edition of 15 made and signed by Ellen von Unwerth. All pri...

Category

2010s Contemporary Ellen von Unwerth Art

Materials

Archival Pigment

Bye Bye Paris, Paris

Bye Bye Paris, Paris

By Ellen von Unwerth

Located in New York, NY

Signed by the photographer

Category

Early 2000s Ellen von Unwerth Art

Materials

C Print

Bubbly II, Paris

Bubbly II, Paris

By Ellen von Unwerth

Located in New York, NY

Signed by the photographer

Category

1990s Ellen von Unwerth Art

Materials

C Print

Choker, Prague

Choker, Prague

By Ellen von Unwerth

Located in New York, NY

Signed by the photographer

Category

1990s Ellen von Unwerth Art

Materials

C Print

Dog Walkers, Cannes

Dog Walkers, Cannes

By Ellen von Unwerth

Located in New York, NY

Signed by the photographer

Category

1990s Ellen von Unwerth Art

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Madonna - portrait of the star and icon of music
Madonna - portrait of the star and icon of music

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...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Ellen von Unwerth Art

Materials

Archival Pigment

Untitled - colorful portrait of a model from behind wearing a corset
Untitled - colorful portrait of a model from behind wearing a corset

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...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Ellen von Unwerth Art

Materials

Archival Pigment

Morning Beauty (Claudia Schiffer)

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 ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Ellen von Unwerth Art

Materials

Archival Pigment

Marquise, Paris

Marquise, Paris

By Ellen von Unwerth

Located in New York, NY

This print is signed by the photographer and is in an edition of 3. Please inquire for additional sizes.

Category

1990s Ellen von Unwerth Art

Materials

C Print

Garce, Paris

Garce, Paris

By Ellen von Unwerth

Located in New York, NY

This print is signed by the photographer and is in an edition of 15.

Category

Early 2000s Ellen von Unwerth Art

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Freshly Bloomed, Heimat series, Fine Art Photography
Freshly Bloomed, Heimat series, Fine Art Photography

Freshly Bloomed, Heimat series, 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, ...

Category

2010s Ellen von Unwerth Art

Materials

Archival Pigment

Karen, Nina, Danny, and Anne, New York

Karen, Nina, Danny, and Anne, New York

By Ellen von Unwerth

Located in New York, NY

This photograph is an Edition of 15. All editions are signed by the photographer. Larger sizes may be available upon request.

Category

1990s Ellen von Unwerth Art

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Penelope Cruz, Paris

Penelope Cruz, Paris

By Ellen von Unwerth

Located in New York, NY

This photograph is an edition of 15. All editions are signed by the photographer. Larger sizes may be available upon request.

Category

Early 2000s Ellen von Unwerth Art

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Sophia Loren, New York

Sophia Loren, New York

By Ellen von Unwerth

Located in New York, NY

This photograph is an edition of 15. All editions are signed by the photographer. Larger sizes may be available upon request.

Category

1990s Ellen von Unwerth Art

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Mask: Nadja Auermann, VOGUE UK, Paris

Mask: Nadja Auermann, VOGUE UK, Paris

By Ellen von Unwerth

Located in New York, NY

This photograph is an edition of 7. All editions are signed by the photographer. Larger sizes may be available upon request.

Category

1990s Ellen von Unwerth Art

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Rossy de Palma and Azzedine Alaïa for Yo Dona Magazine

Rossy de Palma and Azzedine Alaïa for Yo Dona Magazine

By Ellen von Unwerth

Located in New York, NY

This photograph is an edition of 15. All editions are signed by the photographer. Larger sizes may be available upon request.

Category

2010s Ellen von Unwerth Art

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Little Beast 2, Story of Olga, Fine Art Photography
Little Beast 2, Story of Olga, Fine Art Photography

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...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Ellen von Unwerth Art

Materials

Archival Pigment

Claudia Schiffer in Bathtub
Claudia Schiffer in Bathtub

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....

Category

1990s Ellen von Unwerth Art

Materials

Archival Pigment

von Unwerth, Tree of Love, Bavaria, Nude, Color Photography, Fine Art Print

von Unwerth, Tree of Love, Bavaria, Nude, Color Photography, Fine Art Print

By Ellen von Unwerth

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Tree of Love, Bavaria, 2015 C-print on Fujiflex paper 70.8 x 47.2 in (180 x 120 cm) Edition of 3 The photographer Ellen von Unwerth worked as a top fashion model for 10 years, before taking up the camera and becoming one of the world’s most in-demand fashion photographers. Her editorial work has featured in countless magazines, including Vogue, Interview, Vanity Fair, and i-D, while her major advertising campaigns include Victoria’s Secret, Banana Republic...

Category

2010s Ellen von Unwerth Art

Materials

Digital Pigment

von Unwerth, The Big Catch, Bavaria, Color Photography, Fine Art Print

von Unwerth, The Big Catch, Bavaria, Color Photography, Fine Art Print

By Ellen von Unwerth

Located in Los Angeles, CA

The Big Catch, Bavaria, 2015 C-print on Fujiflex paper 70.8 x 47.2 in (180 x 120 cm) Edition of 3 The photographer Ellen von Unwerth worked as a top fashion model for 10 years, before taking up the camera and becoming one of the world’s most in-demand fashion photographers. Her editorial work has featured in countless magazines, including Vogue, Interview, Vanity Fair, and i-D, while her major advertising campaigns include Victoria’s Secret, Banana Republic...

Category

2010s Ellen von Unwerth Art

Materials

Other Medium, Digital Pigment

Beating It While It's Hot, Bavaria, Black & White Photography, Fine Art Print

Beating It While It's Hot, Bavaria, Black & White Photography, Fine Art Print

By Ellen von Unwerth

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Beating It While It’s Hot, Bavaria, 2015 B&W-print on Baryta paper 15.7 x 23.6 in (40 x 60 cm) Edition of 10 The photographer Ellen von Unwerth worked as a top fashion model for 10 years, before taking up the camera and becoming one of the world’s most in-demand fashion photographers. Her editorial work has featured in countless magazines, including Vogue, Interview, Vanity Fair, and i-D, while her major advertising campaigns include Victoria’s Secret, Banana Republic...

Category

2010s Ellen von Unwerth Art

Materials

Other Medium

Kate Moss Shopping II, Paris, Fine Art Photography, 1995
Kate Moss Shopping II, Paris, Fine Art Photography, 1995

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...

Category

1990s Contemporary Ellen von Unwerth Art

Materials

Archival Pigment

Kate Moss Shopping - Supermodel in front of a fridge, Fine Art Photography, 1995
Kate Moss Shopping - Supermodel in front of a fridge, Fine Art Photography, 1995

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...

Category

Early 2000s Contemporary Ellen von Unwerth Art

Materials

Archival Pigment

Supermodel Claudia Schiffer from the side, without top and bare back
Supermodel Claudia Schiffer from the side, without top and bare back

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...

Category

1990s Contemporary Ellen von Unwerth Art

Materials

Archival Pigment

Baccarat - Maid Crawling over a Luxurious Table Setting, Fine Art Photography
Baccarat - Maid Crawling over a Luxurious Table Setting, Fine Art Photography

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...

Category

20th Century Ellen von Unwerth Art

Materials

Archival Pigment

Again?, New York

Again?, New York

By Ellen von Unwerth

Located in New York, NY

All editions signed by the photographer.

Category

1990s Ellen von Unwerth Art

White Bunny

White Bunny

By Ellen von Unwerth

Located in New York, NY

All editions signed by the photographer.

Category

2010s Ellen von Unwerth Art

Tic Tac Toe

Tic Tac Toe

By Ellen von Unwerth

Located in New York, NY

All editions signed by the photographer.

Category

2010s Ellen von Unwerth Art

The Pinch

The Pinch

By Ellen von Unwerth

Located in New York, NY

All editions signed by the photographer.

Category

Early 2000s Ellen von Unwerth Art

Swanky! Spanky!

Swanky! Spanky!

By Ellen von Unwerth

Located in New York, NY

All editions signed by the photographer.

Category

2010s Ellen von Unwerth Art

Stuck

Stuck

By Ellen von Unwerth

Located in New York, NY

All editions signed by the photographer.

Category

Early 2000s Ellen von Unwerth Art

Ellen Von Unwerth art for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a wide variety of authentic Ellen von Unwerth art available for sale on 1stDibs. If you’re browsing the collection of art to introduce a pop of color in a neutral corner of your living room or bedroom, you can find work that includes elements of orange, red, pink and other colors. You can also browse by medium to find art by Ellen von Unwerth in archival pigment print, pigment print, silver gelatin print and more. Much of the original work by this artist or collective was created during the 21st century and contemporary and is mostly associated with the contemporary style. Not every interior allows for large Ellen von Unwerth art, so small editions measuring 16 inches across are available. Customers who are interested in this artist might also find the work of Frank Schott, Joachim Schmeisser, and Axel Crieger.