With a career in magazines that spanned the mid-20th century heyday of print journalism and lasted through the first decade of the 21st, Irving Penn was the preeminent photographer for six decades at Vogue, where he worked right up until his death, in 2009, at age 92.
Penn’s refined and dynamic photography of models, celebrities and products like Clinique and Jell-O pudding, all shot in compositions of stunning equipoise in the cool remove of his minimal studio setups, were designed to stop traffic and cut through the clutter of magazine pages.
Penn flourished under the mentorship of two legendary art directors: Harper’s Bazaar‘s Alexey Brodovitch and Vogue‘s Alexander Liberman, both Russian émigrés like Penn’s father. Brodovitch introduced Penn to Surrealism and avant-garde photography as his teacher at the Pennsylvania Museum and School of Industrial Art and hired him as his assistant at Harper’s Bazaar during the summers of 1937 and ’38. Penn bought his first camera after graduating that year. He met Liberman in 1941, passing off to the recent New York transplant his freelance art director job at Saks Fifth Avenue. Liberman returned the favor by hiring Penn at Vogue in 1943 to sketch cover concepts, later encouraging him to shoot his unconventional juxtapositions of accessories and household items himself.
Assigned to photograph some portraits in the mid-1940s, Penn took a cue from the stage-set windows at Saks. He angled two studio flats in his studio and placed his subjects, including Truman Capote, Jerome Robbins and Salvador Dalí, in the resulting tight corner, literally and psychologically. Spencer Tracy leans jauntily against the walls in his portrait, while Georgia O'Keeffe simmers straight-armed in her confinement.
Penn didn’t work well with the distractions of the outside world. In 1950, when he was instructed by Liberman to buy an evening jacket and shoot the couture shows in Paris, he managed the assignment by having the dresses brought to him. He rented a top-floor studio with great light but no electricity and photographed models, including Lisa Fonssagrives (whom he married shortly after), against a mottled gray theater curtain that he continued to use for the rest of his career. Between deliveries from Dior and Balenciaga, he began his personal project “Small Trades,” in which he had local Parisians — a knife grinder, a mailman, a cucumber seller — pose for him with tools of their trade against the same backdrop. (He extended the series in London and New York.)
While Penn made bold, reductive still lifes for advertising campaigns throughout his career, in 1972 he applied his sculptural understanding of form to the unlikeliest of subjects: cigarette butts he gathered from the streets. The Museum of Modern Art showed Penn’s cigarette butts in 1975, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art exhibited another series of material salvaged from the street in 1977. At this time, Penn also began revisiting his earlier photographs, reprinting them at larger scale and with the more painterly quality achieved with the platinum-palladium process. In his lush, oversized platinum-palladium prints, he elevates the lowly castoffs to heroic objects worthy of archaeological scrutiny.
Find vintage Irving Penn photography on 1stDibs.
$4,900Sale Price|67% Off
Untitled (Lisa Fonssagrives-Penn) (~67% OFF - LIMITED TIME ONLY)
By Irving Penn
Located in Kansas City, MO
Irving Penn Title: Untitled (Lisa Fonssagrives-Penn) Medium: Glossy, fibre based paper Date: New York, circa 1949 Dimensions: 11 x 14 inches Stamped ...
Photographic Paper, Silver Gelatin
Vogue Magazine March 1963 Framed Cover
By Irving Penn
Located in Stamford, CT
Vogue March 1963 framed original cover. Featuring cover model Burke Amey and a Cartwheel Hat by Halston by Irving Penn. newly framed in blue glossy wood frame.
Glass, Wood, Paper
$32,000Sale Price|20% Off
Still Life with Mouse, New York
By Irving Penn
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Signed, titled, dated and copyrighted 1983 on back of print. Stamped, 'Signed silver print of this negative not exceeding' and 78 written in pencil on back of print. Annotated, 'Copy...
Silver Gelatin
Still life with Watermelon, NY
By Irving Penn
Located in Miami, FL
Phillips de Pury Collection of Alain Dominique Perrin Printed 1985, One from an edition of 21 dye transfer prints Signed Irving Penn Verso Literature: Szarkowki, Irving Penn Irving...
Dye Transfer
$41,600Sale Price|25% Off
Nude No. 57 Silver Gelatin Print, Signed, Circa 1949, Edition of 12
By Irving Penn
Located in Miami, FL
The work is elegantly framed in a high-end modern frame with archival matting. 1 of no more than 12, each print differs somewhat from the others Negative and print made 1949-1950 I....
Silver Gelatin
Still life with Watermelon, NY
By Irving Penn
Located in Miami, FL
Phillips de Pury Collection of Alain Dominique Perrin Printed 1985, One from an edition of 21 dye transfer prints Signed Irving Penn Verso Literature: Szarkowki, Irving Penn Irving...
Dye Transfer
Irving Penn: Photographs in Platinum Metals--Images 1947-1975 (Doubly Inscribed)
By Irving Penn
Located in New York, NY
Catalog published in conjunction with an exhibition of Irving Penn’s experimental platinum-emulsion photographs held at New York City’s Marlborough Gallery from September 8-October 1...
Paper
$10,000Sale Price|20% Off
Two Men in White Masks, Cuzco
By Irving Penn
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Printed in 1984. Signed, titled, dated, artist’s copyright on back of mount. Stamped ‘signed silver prints not exceeding,’ 20 written in pencil. Annotated, “Rives BFK mount’ and ‘ton...
Silver Gelatin
Vogue Magazine September 1970 Framed Lauren Hutton Cover
By Irving Penn
Located in Stamford, CT
September 1970 Vogue framed cover. Lauren Hutton photographed by Irving Penn. As found framed condition in gold wooden frame.
Glass, Wood, Paper
Irving Penn Monograph, "Platinum Prints" Exhibition Catalog
By Irving Penn
Located in New York, NY
Hardcover monograph published in 2005, to accompany the exhibition of the American portrait and fashion photographer, "Irving Penn: Platinum Prints," at the National Portrait Gallery...
Paper
$941Sale Price|20% Off
Poster Gianni Versace Metropolitan Museum of Art Photo by Irving Penn, 1997
By Gianni Versace, Irving Penn
Located in Milano, IT
GIANNI Versace. Beautiful and rare Poster of the Metropolitan Museum of Art December 1997-March 1998 of the exhibition on Gianni Versace. The poster depicts a photograph by Irving Penn. Penn's photograph depicts the famous 1987 theatre costume in black quilted satin and white satin with black and white applications. from the TEATRO collection. Approximate size 89 x 63.5 cm. pay. Thank you for your cooperation! The poster is an interesting black and white look on one of Versace's most extravagant evening dresses. This item would be the perfect addition to any Gianni Versace or MMA collection. Versace's catwalk collections...
Paper
$22,000
Pagoda
By Irving Penn
Located in New York, NY
Pagoda 1975 Signed, titled, dated, and numbered in pencil, verso Platinum print (Edition of 49) 10 x 7.5 inches, image This platinum print is from the “Street Materials Series.” ...
Platinum
Price Upon Request
New York Still Life
By Irving Penn
Located in New York, NY
New York Still Life, 1947/April 1980 Signed, titled, dated, numbered, and inscribed in pencil, verso Platinum-palladium print on Rives paper mo...
Platinum
![Mermaid Dress (Rochas) [Lisa Fonssagrives-Penn], Paris](https://a.1stdibscdn.com/irving-penn-photography-mermaid-dress-rochas-lisa-fonssagrives-penn-paris-for-sale/a_9323/1615324844586/Penn_Mermaid_Dress_1200_master.jpg?width=240)
![Mermaid Dress (Rochas) [Lisa Fonssagrives-Penn], Paris](https://a.1stdibscdn.com/irving-penn-photography-mermaid-dress-rochas-lisa-fonssagrives-penn-paris-for-sale-picture-2/a_9323/1615324841757/Penn_Mermaid_Dress_framed_1200_master.jpg?width=240)
Price Upon Request
Mermaid Dress (Rochas) [Lisa Fonssagrives-Penn], Paris
By Irving Penn
Located in New York, NY
Mermaid Dress (Rochas) [Lisa Fonssagrives-Penn], Paris, 1950/June 1979 Signed, titled, dated, numbered, and inscribed in pencil, verso Platinum-pallad...
Platinum
Price Upon Request
Joan Miró
By Irving Penn
Located in New York, NY
Signed, verso Various copyright and studio stamps, verso Vintage gelatin silver print This artwork is offered by ClampArt, located in New York City.
Silver Gelatin
Price Upon Request
Dior Kerchief and Glove, Paris
By Irving Penn
Located in New York, NY
This photograph is an Edition of 9 and is signed by the photographer.
Silver Gelatin
School Wall Chart, Valletta, Fortress and Harbour
Located in Wolfurt, AT
This poster with a photo of the city Valletta (Malta) was produced by Europa et Schola Edition and used in schools for cultural education. Foto: Government Tourist Board, Malta; H...
Paper
$250
H 7.49 in W 9.49 in
Yesteryear's Wire Walker (Unidentified) – original circus photograph, 1950s
Located in Middletown, NY
Gelatin silver print mounted on board, 7 1/2 x 9 1/2 in. (190 x 241 mm) from the Roland Butler Collection, Press Agent, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus (1930s-1960s) Roland...
Photographic Paper, Silver Gelatin
George Platt Lynes Original B&W Fashion Photograph from Vogue Magazine
By George Platt Lynes
Located in Palm Springs, CA
This silver gelatin photograph was printed in New York City in the 1990s from the original negative. George Platt Lynes (1907 to 1955) was a legenda...
Other
Framed Vintage Life-Size Marilyn Monroe Pin-Up Poster
Located in Chicago, IL
A super fun vintage framed life-size pin-up poster of a young Marilyn Monroe in a red and white striped bikini and showing her Classic shining smile.
Paper
He Exudes a Powerful Fragrance Like Horses Do
By Bill Costa
Located in New York, NY
Gelatin silver print (Edition of 5) Signed and numbered, verso This artwork is offered by ClampArt, located in New York City.
Silver Gelatin
$164
H 12.6 in W 9.65 in D 0.01 in
Vogue Magazine Cover – March 1, 1917 – Illustration by Frank X. Leyendecker
Located in Langweer, NL
Vogue Magazine Cover – March 1, 1917 – Illustration by Frank X. Leyendecker Elegant original Vogue magazine cover from March 1, 1917, featuring an exquisite illustration by Frank Xa...
Paper
$1,100 / set
H 31.5 in W 21.5 in D 0.5 in
Larry Clark Signed Gallery Exhibition Offset Lithograph Posters
By Larry Clark
Located in Atlanta, GA
Larry Clark Gallery exhibition offset lithograph posters, American, circa 1996. The poster on the left is signed by the artist. They are from the famed photographer, filmmaker, and a...
Glass, Wood, Paper
$850
H 11 in W 14 in
Vintage Silver Gelatin Photograph Print, Girls on a Beach Photo, Two Man Show
Located in Surfside, FL
Richard Lebowitz, b. 1937, American, (RISD Faculty 1964-1995, Photography; Professor Emeritus) Tom Young, b. 1951, American, (RISD MFA 1977, Photography) TIT...
Photographic Paper, Silver Gelatin
Joan Didion, Hollywood, 1968 (Frame 33a.)
By Julian Wasser
Located in New York, NY
This is a limited edition 16 x 20 inch print of Joan Didion by photographer Julian Wasser shot for her iconic interview with TIME in 1968. Listing includes free shipping to the continental US and a 14-day return policy. Please inquire for framing options or international shipments. We offer framing services through our New York location. Joan Didion by Julian Wasser Gelatin Silver Print Paper Size: 16 x 20 inches Image Size: 11.5 x 17.5 inches Edition 9 of 15 Signed and on the back by Julian Wasser and editioned on adhesive certificate History Behind the Photograph - Julian Wasser started his career in photography in the Washington DC bureau of the Associated Press where he met and accompanied the famous news photographer Weegee – who would become a lasting influence on him. In the mid-60s Wasser moved to Los Angeles as a contract photographer for TIME, LIFE, and FORTUNE magazines and becoming internationally known as the go to guy for getting candid but memorably composed photographs. (His iconic images of Jack Nicholson and Anjelica Huston; Marcel Duchamp and Eve Babitz...
Photographic Paper, Silver Gelatin
steve - ritual
By Frank Yamrus
Located in New York, NY
Gelatin silver print Signed, dated, and numbered, verso 10 x 8 inches, sheet 7 x 7 inches, image (Edition of 10) 14 x 11 inches, sheet 10 x 10 inches, image (Edition of 10) 20 x 1...
Silver Gelatin
$1,200
H 17.5 in W 16.5 in D 1 in
Male Nude with Head Down (Sepia Toned Figurative Photograph by David Halliday)
By David Halliday
Located in Hudson, NY
Contemporary figurative sepia toned photograph of nude male model Sepia toned silver gelatin print, edition 3 of 25 Image size: 8 x 8 inches 17.5 x 16.5 x 1 inches framed with 8-ply white mat and non reflective glass. Signed and dated below image with atelier stamp This contemporary figurative photograph was taken by David Halliday in 1998. The sepia toned silver gelatin print beautifully captures a standing male model on a simple monotone background. The nude model's flawless skin complements the similarly toned sepia backdrop, while contrasts in light and shadow accentuate his toned back and shoulder muscles. The figure's casual pose lends a serene atmosphere to the image. This print, 3rd in the edition of 25, is framed in a custom brown wood Larson Juhl frame with an 8 ply white mat and non reflective glass. The print is signed with an atelier stamp on the lower right. About the Artist: David Halliday's photographs are about beauty, pure and simple. His primary subjects are carefully composed still lifes, portraits and landscapes which he shoots in black and white film with only natural light. He is a purist behind the lens, rarely manipulating his negatives in any way, and a master in the darkroom. His work has an ethereal quality that's translated not only through the subject, but also by the warm colors and sepia tones he uses in his printing. More about the work: A master of light, David Halliday produces lush and elegant images that are both classical and modern. Celebrated for his ‘purist’ eye, he poetically captures the nude male body in a selection of sepia-toned prints from 1996. Rarely revealing the model's face, Halliday prefers to focus on the natural drape of limbs, soft folds of flawless skin, and curvature of the spine. Overall, a stunningly intimate portrayal of the male form done with elegance and charm. Resume: Born 1958, Glen Cove, New York Lives in Schodack Landing, NY EDUCATION 1998 Penland School of Crafts, Penland, North Carolina 1988 The Maine Photographic Workshops, Rockport, Maine 1976-79 Syracuse University, New York 1974-76 Wooster School Community Art Center, Danbury, Connecticut SELECTED SOLO EXHIBITIONS 2013 Threadbare/New Photographs, Arthur Roger Galley, New Orleans, LA McMurtrey Gallery, Houston, TX 2012 The Past Still Present, Ogden Museum of Southern Art, New Orleans, LA 2010 Arthur Roger Gallery, New Orleans, LA Wessel+O’Connor Fine Art, Lambertville, NJ Julie Heller...
Silver Gelatin
After Gibson
By Chuck Samuels
Located in New York, NY
Gelatin silver print (Edition of 20) Signed and numbered on label, verso From the series, "Before the Camera" This artwork is offered by ClampArt, located in New York City. Chuck S...
Silver Gelatin
Irving Penn Photogravure Black and White, 1947
By Irving Penn
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Irving Penn Photogravure plate page 23 inside the book Photographie 1947 edited by Arts et Metiers Graphiques. Measure: 17 x 22.5 cm Black wood framed size 40 x 50 cm Copyri...
Paper
Pear with Seeds
By Irving Penn
Located in New York, NY
Pear with Seeds, June 1993/November 1993-February 1994 Signed, titled, dated, numbered, and inscribed in pencil, verso Platinum-palladium print on Rives paper mounted to aluminum ...
Platinum
Sold
H 12.21 in W 10.63 in D 0.79 in
Issey Miyake, Photographs by Irving Penn First Edition, 1988 Book
By Irving Penn
Located in CA, CA
Issey Miyake: Photographs by Irving Penn Published by New York Graphic society, 1988. First Edition. By one of the greatest photographers in the history of fashion in collaboration ...
Paper
Grace Kelly
By Irving Penn
Located in London, GB
Original black and white photograph printed in Switzerland in the 1960' The photograph is by the renowned American photographer Irv...
Audrey Hepburn
By Irving Penn
Located in London, GB
Original black and white photograph printed in Switzerland in the 1960' The photograph is by the renowned American photographer Irv...
Issey Miyake, Photographs by Irving Penn
By Issey Miyake, Irving Penn
Located in CA, CA
First edition, published by Little, Brown & Company, 1988 Irving Penn captures the work of Issey Miyake, this book explores the artistic relationship between Penn, one of the most prominent photographers of the 20th century and Miyake, the iconic fashion designer. An invaluable representation of an important relationship between both artists, this book unites both of their formidable talents, documenting Miyake’s women...
Sold
H 0.95 in W 12.6 in D 11.03 in
Irving Penn Irving Penn Pose Son Regard Sur L'oeuvre D'Issey Miyake
By Irving Penn
Located in CA, CA
First edition, published by Little, Brown & Company, 1988 Irving Penn captures the work of Issey Miyake, this book explores the artistic relationship between Penn, one of the most...
"Issey Miyake by Irving Penn" Book
By Irving Penn
Located in CA, CA
First edition, published by Miyake Design Studio, 1990. Irving Penn examines the work of Issey Miyake, this book reveals the artistic relationship between Penn, one of the most promi...
"Irving Penn Flowers" Book - 1980
By Irving Penn
Located in CA, CA
First edition, Harmony books, 1980. Known best for his fashion photography, Irving Penn created his own photographic assignments for flower studies throughout the 1960s and 1970s ...
Nude No 19 (Cropped)
By Irving Penn
Located in New York, NY
Irving Penn Nude No 19 (Cropped), 1949-1950 Vintage gelatin silver print 20 × 15 7/8 in.
Silver Gelatin
Nude No 81 (Variant)
By Irving Penn
Located in New York, NY
Irving Penn Nude No 81 (Variant) (1949 -1950) Vintage gelatin silver print 19 15/16 × 15 3/4 in.
Silver Gelatin
Girl Sitting (Cameroon), 1974
By Irving Penn
Located in New York, NY
Irving Penn Girl Sitting (Cameroon), 1974, Printed November 1978 Platinum Palladium Print 20 x 20 inches Signed and numbered edition of 40 addition...
Platinum