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Jack Mitchell Photography

American, 1925-2013

Over his four-decade career, photographer Jack Mitchell chronicled the changing cultural landscape of mid- to late-20th-century America by capturing the greatest influencers and innovators in the performing and visual arts.

Mitchell, a master of lighting patterns in photography who had his first portrait published at the age of 15, organized more than 5,400 photographic sessions in his lifetime involving a list of sitters that is as astounding as it is long. A veritable roll call of heroes and idols, his studio guests include painters, dancers, actors, comedians, singers, composers, directors, writers, impresarios and anyone else who helped shape the zeitgeist.

During World War II, when he was only 16 years old, Mitchell photographed Veronica Lake for a Daytona newspaper. It was his first celebrity gig, but that didn’t stop the audacious wunderkind from asking the actress to sweep back her signature “peekaboo” locks so he could get her full face in the frame. Lake, who was in Florida to help the war effort and at the peak of her career, politely obliged, and the two later became lifelong friends.

Mitchell, who was openly gay (his long-term partner and manager, Robert Plavik, died in 2009), also struck up a close relationship with Gloria Swanson. From 1960 to 1970, he served as her personal paparazzo, snapping a variety of “candid” shots of the aging but eternally glamorous actress as if she were a pre-mobile/pre-social-media reality star.

The diverse publications in which Mitchell’s work has appeared — in addition to the New York Times, there’s Rolling Stone, Dance Magazine, People, Vogue, Vanity Fair, Time, Harper’s Bazaar and Newsweek — testify to the power of his arresting visual language and its ability to transcend themes and disciplines.

Mitchell also famously shot a series of intimate portraits of John Lennon and Yoko Ono in November 1980, just one month before the Beatles singer was assassinated. A picture from this session became the cover of People’s memorial issue, one of the magazine’s best-selling editions to date.

The showbiz gloss should not distract from Mitchell’s meticulous approach to photography. He insisted on producing his own prints in order to achieve what he deemed museum-quality patina and definition.

“Jack shot many rolls of black-and-white film, and always some color transparencies, of every famous person he photographed,” says Craig Highberger, a friend of the late photographer and the executive director of the Jack Mitchell Archives.

In the world of dance, the field for which Mitchell is best known, his striking and incisive shots of legendary performers and choreographers reflect the visceral energy that these luminaries introduced to the discipline in the 1960s and ’70s, widely considered the Golden Age of American dance theater.

“Jack’s photographs of dancers during his lifetime are a historic chronicle of an amazing period in dance history. He was Alvin Ailey’s dance company photographer from 1961 to 1994,” says Highberger, noting that Mitchell’s collection of 10,000 black-and-white Ailey prints now belongs to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture.

Mitchell’s dance images are at once ethereal and powerfully dynamic. Not only do they evoke movement through elegant poses and disciplined muscular tension, but they also convey an intimate energy radiating directly from his subjects, as if he had magically unlocked a reflective mood or a character trait, without contrivance.

The collection of authentic Jack Mitchell photography on 1stDibs includes his black and white photography, color photography, nude photography and more.

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Artist: Jack Mitchell
Large format vintage multiple exposure female nude, signed by Jack Mitchell
Large format vintage multiple exposure female nude, signed by Jack Mitchell

Large format vintage multiple exposure female nude, signed by Jack Mitchell

By Jack Mitchell

Located in Senoia, GA

16 x 20" vintage silver gelatin photograph, multiple exposure female nude. Titled, numbered, dated, and signed by Jack Mitchell on the recto. Comes directly from the Jack Mitchell Ar...

Category

1990s Abstract Jack Mitchell Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Martha Graham Portrait Original Signed Vintage Photograph 1973
Martha Graham Portrait Original Signed Vintage Photograph 1973

Martha Graham Portrait Original Signed Vintage Photograph 1973

By Jack Mitchell

Located in Glenford, NY

Jack Mitchell signed vintage mid-20th Century portrait of modern dance legend Martha Graham. Photo taken in 1973. Highly collectible original vintage silver gelatin print of one of the greatest figures in 20th Century Dance and Art. Stamped on the back by the photographer "Copyright 1973 JACK MITCHELL 356 East 74, New York City" and personally signed by Jack Mitchell. Mounted by the artist on photographic board. Jack Mitchell (1925 - 2013) was an American photographer of artists, dancers, film and theater performers, musicians and writers. He is hailed as one of the most important dance photographers of the 20th century. His work appeared in major newspapers and on the cover of major magazines, including over 160 covers of Dance Magazine. The Smithsonian called him “the benchmark by which other dance photographers assessed their own work”. Mitchell photographed John Lennon and Yoko Ono, Leonard Bernstein, David Byrne, Truman Capote, Anthony Quinn, Jack Nicholson, Patti LuPone, Keith Haring, Neil Simon, Angela Lansbury, Twyla Tharp, Ned Rorem, Leontyne Price, Alfred Hitchcock, Spalding Gray, Ann Reinking, Andy Warhol, Natalie Wood, and Gloria Swanson. His work appeared in The New York Times, Elle, Harper's Bazaar, Life, Newsweek, People, Rolling Stone, Time, Vanity Fair and Vogue, among others. Martha Graham (May 11, 1894 – April 1, 1991) was an American modern dancer and choreographer. Her style, the Graham technique, reshaped American dance and is still taught worldwide. Graham danced and taught for over seventy years. She was the first dancer...

Category

1970s Modern Jack Mitchell Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

John Travolta, as Tony Manero in 'Stayin' Alive', Signed
John Travolta, as Tony Manero in 'Stayin' Alive', Signed

John Travolta, as Tony Manero in 'Stayin' Alive', Signed

By Jack Mitchell

Located in Senoia, GA

11 x 14" vintage silver gelatin photograph of actor John Travolta in costume for the film ‘Stayin’ Alive’ which was filming on location in New York City,...

Category

1970s Pop Art Jack Mitchell Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Pop artist Roy Lichtenstein in his NYC studio, signed By Jack Mitchell
Pop artist Roy Lichtenstein in his NYC studio, signed By Jack Mitchell

Pop artist Roy Lichtenstein in his NYC studio, signed By Jack Mitchell

By Jack Mitchell

Located in Senoia, GA

11 x 14" vintage silver gelatin photograph of Pop artist Roy Lichtenstein in his New York studio in 1968. Signed by Jack Mitchell on the print recto. Comes directly from the Jack Mit...

Category

1960s Pop Art Jack Mitchell Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Pop artist Roy Lichtenstein in his NYC studio, signed By Jack Mitchell
Pop artist Roy Lichtenstein in his NYC studio, signed By Jack Mitchell

Pop artist Roy Lichtenstein in his NYC studio, signed By Jack Mitchell

By Jack Mitchell

Located in Senoia, GA

11 x 14" vintage silver gelatin photograph of pop artist Roy Lichtenstein in his NYC studio with his recent work, signed By Jack Mitchell on the verso. Comes directly from the Jack ...

Category

1960s Pop Art Jack Mitchell Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Dancer Leland Schwantes multiple exposure nude for After Dark  magazine
Dancer Leland Schwantes multiple exposure nude for After Dark  magazine

Dancer Leland Schwantes multiple exposure nude for After Dark magazine

By Jack Mitchell

Located in Senoia, GA

Dancer Leland Schwantes multiple exposure nude for After Dark magazine, 1970. Vintage silver gelatin exhibition photograph made by Jack Mitchell. American photographer Jack Mitchell...

Category

1970s Pop Art Jack Mitchell Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

16 x 20" Artist Robert Rauschenberg at MOMA with 'Sor Aqua', signed by Mitchell
16 x 20" Artist Robert Rauschenberg at MOMA with 'Sor Aqua', signed by Mitchell

16 x 20" Artist Robert Rauschenberg at MOMA with 'Sor Aqua', signed by Mitchell

By Jack Mitchell

Located in Senoia, GA

16 x 20" vintage silver gelatin photograph of artist Robert Rauschenberg at MOMA with 'Sor Aqua', photographed in 1977. It is signed by Jack Mitchell on the recto and in pencil on th...

Category

1970s Pop Art Jack Mitchell Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Artist & Writer Yoko Ono in her Manhattan apartment, signed by Jack Mitchell
Artist & Writer Yoko Ono in her Manhattan apartment, signed by Jack Mitchell

Artist & Writer Yoko Ono in her Manhattan apartment, signed by Jack Mitchell

By Jack Mitchell

Located in Senoia, GA

11 x 14" vintage silver gelatin photograph of artist and writer Yoko Ono (widow of John Lennon) in her Manhattan home in 1985, signed by Jack Mitchell on the print verso. Comes direc...

Category

1980s Pop Art Jack Mitchell Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Artist Ray Johnson in his studio, signed By Jack Mitchell
Artist Ray Johnson in his studio, signed By Jack Mitchell

Artist Ray Johnson in his studio, signed By Jack Mitchell

By Jack Mitchell

Located in Senoia, GA

11 x 14" vintage silver gelatin photograph of artist Ray Johnson in his studio, 1968. Signed by Jack Mitchell on the print recto.This same photograph of J...

Category

1960s Pop Art Jack Mitchell Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Warhol Superstar Jackie Curtis 'Women in Revolt' signed by Jack Mitchell
Warhol Superstar Jackie Curtis 'Women in Revolt' signed by Jack Mitchell

Warhol Superstar Jackie Curtis 'Women in Revolt' signed by Jack Mitchell

By Jack Mitchell

Located in Senoia, GA

11 x 14" vintage silver gelatin photograph of Andy Warhol transvestite Superstar Jackie Curtis photographed in 1970, the year began filming "Women in Revolt". Signed by Jack Mitchell...

Category

1970s Pop Art Jack Mitchell Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Flutist Ransom Wilson, signed by Jack Mitchell
Flutist Ransom Wilson, signed by Jack Mitchell

Flutist Ransom Wilson, signed by Jack Mitchell

By Jack Mitchell

Located in Senoia, GA

11 x 14" vintage silver gelatin photograph of Flutist Ransom Wilson in 1977. Signed by Jack Mitchell on the print verso. Comes directly from the Jack Mit...

Category

1970s Pop Art Jack Mitchell Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Sculptor Marisol (Maria Sol Escobar) in her NYC studio
Sculptor Marisol (Maria Sol Escobar) in her NYC studio

Sculptor Marisol (Maria Sol Escobar) in her NYC studio

By Jack Mitchell

Located in Senoia, GA

11 x 14" vintage silver gelatin photograph of sculptor Marisol (Maria Sol Escobar) photographed in her New York City studio with her sculpture “Guy” in 1968. This is the only print m...

Category

1960s Pop Art Jack Mitchell Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Sculptor George Segal working in his studio
Sculptor George Segal working in his studio

Sculptor George Segal working in his studio

By Jack Mitchell

Located in Senoia, GA

11 x 14" vintage silver gelatin photograph Sculptor George Segal in his studio, 1969. Comes directly from the Jack Mitchell Archives with a certificate of authenticity. Jack Mitch...

Category

1960s Pop Art Jack Mitchell Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Actor Al Pacino, signed by Jack Mitchell
Actor Al Pacino, signed by Jack Mitchell

Actor Al Pacino, signed by Jack Mitchell

By Jack Mitchell

Located in Senoia, GA

11 x 14" vintage silver gelatin photograph of actor Al Pacino, 1979. Signed by Jack Mitchell on the verso. Comes directly from the Jack Mitchell Archives wi...

Category

1970s Pop Art Jack Mitchell Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Broadway star Joel Grey photographed in Central Park, signed by Jack Mitchell
Broadway star Joel Grey photographed in Central Park, signed by Jack Mitchell

Broadway star Joel Grey photographed in Central Park, signed by Jack Mitchell

By Jack Mitchell

Located in Senoia, GA

11 x 14" vintage silver gelatin photograph of Broadway musical star Joel Grey photographed in Central Park in August, 1968. Signed by Jack Mitchell on the print verso. Comes directly...

Category

1960s Pop Art Jack Mitchell Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Artist William Wegman and his beloved dog Fay, signed by Jack Mitchell
Artist William Wegman and his beloved dog Fay, signed by Jack Mitchell

Artist William Wegman and his beloved dog Fay, signed by Jack Mitchell

By Jack Mitchell

Located in Senoia, GA

11 x 14" vintage silver gelatin photograph of artist William Wegman and his beloved dog Fay, 1995. Signed by Jack Mitchell on print verso. Comes directly from the Jack Mitchell Archi...

Category

1990s Pop Art Jack Mitchell Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Male model Milton Dean multiple exposure nude, signed by Jack Mitchell
Male model Milton Dean multiple exposure nude, signed by Jack Mitchell

Male model Milton Dean multiple exposure nude, signed by Jack Mitchell

By Jack Mitchell

Located in Senoia, GA

11 x 14" vintage silver gelatin photograph, signed by Jack Mitchell. Comes directly from the Jack Mitchell Archives with a certificate of authenticity. This photograph was from a se...

Category

1970s Pop Art Jack Mitchell Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Photorealist painter Richard Estes in his Manhattan studio with new works
Photorealist painter Richard Estes in his Manhattan studio with new works

Photorealist painter Richard Estes in his Manhattan studio with new works

By Jack Mitchell

Located in Senoia, GA

11 x 14" vintage silver gelatin photograph of photorealist painter Richard Estes in his Manhattan studio with new works, 1971. Comes directly from the Jack Mitchell Archives with a c...

Category

1970s Pop Art Jack Mitchell Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Actress Gloria Swanson backstage on Broadway, 1972, Signed by Jack Mitchell
Actress Gloria Swanson backstage on Broadway, 1972, Signed by Jack Mitchell

Actress Gloria Swanson backstage on Broadway, 1972, Signed by Jack Mitchell

By Jack Mitchell

Located in Senoia, GA

11 x 14" vintage silver gelatin photograph of Gloria Swanson in her Broadway dressing room for "Butterflies Are Free", 1972. Comes directly from the Jack Mitchell Archives with a cer...

Category

1970s Pop Art Jack Mitchell Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Stage and Screen Star Gloria Swanson posing in the foyer of her NYC home
Stage and Screen Star Gloria Swanson posing in the foyer of her NYC home

Stage and Screen Star Gloria Swanson posing in the foyer of her NYC home

By Jack Mitchell

Located in Senoia, GA

8 x 10" vintage silver gelatin photograph of Stage and Screen Star Gloria Swanson posing in the foyer of her NYC home. This is a print that was published by a newspaper or magazine w...

Category

1960s Pop Art Jack Mitchell Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Dancer Christine Klepal performing, signed by Jack Mitchell
Dancer Christine Klepal performing, signed by Jack Mitchell

Dancer Christine Klepal performing, signed by Jack Mitchell

By Jack Mitchell

Located in Senoia, GA

11 x 14" vintage silver gelatin photograph of dancer Christine Klepal performing, 1983. Signed by Jack Mitchell on the print verso. Comes directly from the Jack Mitchell Archives wit...

Category

1980s Pop Art Jack Mitchell Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Angela Lansbury as 'Mame' on Broadway
Angela Lansbury as 'Mame' on Broadway

Angela Lansbury as 'Mame' on Broadway

By Jack Mitchell

Located in Senoia, GA

11 x 14" vintage silver gelatin photograph of actress Angela Lansbury in costume for 'Mama' on Broadway, 1966. Comes directly from the Jack Mitchell A...

Category

1960s Pop Art Jack Mitchell Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Andy Warhol Superstars Joe Dallesandro and Jane Forth, stars of 'Trash'
Andy Warhol Superstars Joe Dallesandro and Jane Forth, stars of 'Trash'

Andy Warhol Superstars Joe Dallesandro and Jane Forth, stars of 'Trash'

By Jack Mitchell

Located in Senoia, GA

8 x 10" vintage silver gelatin photograph of Andy Warhol Superstars Joe Dallesandro and Jane Forth, stars of 'Trash', 1970. This is a print that was published by After Dark Magazine ...

Category

1960s Pop Art Jack Mitchell Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Flutist Ransom Wilson, signed by Jack Mitchell
Flutist Ransom Wilson, signed by Jack Mitchell

Flutist Ransom Wilson, signed by Jack Mitchell

By Jack Mitchell

Located in Senoia, GA

11 x 14" vintage silver gelatin photograph of Flutist Ransom Wilson in 1977. Signed by Jack Mitchell on the print verso. Comes directly from th...

Category

1970s Pop Art Jack Mitchell Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

16 x 20" professional bodybuilder Arnold Schwarzenegger, signed by Jack Mitchell
16 x 20" professional bodybuilder Arnold Schwarzenegger, signed by Jack Mitchell

16 x 20" professional bodybuilder Arnold Schwarzenegger, signed by Jack Mitchell

By Jack Mitchell

Located in Senoia, GA

16 x 20" vintage silver gelatin photograph of professional bodybuilder Arnold Schwarzenegger (and future film star and Governor of California) posing at the top of his form in Octobe...

Category

1970s Pop Art Jack Mitchell Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Dancer Kevin Brown, nude, signed by Jack Mitchell
Dancer Kevin Brown, nude, signed by Jack Mitchell

Dancer Kevin Brown, nude, signed by Jack Mitchell

By Jack Mitchell

Located in Senoia, GA

11 x 14" vintage silver gelatin photograph, signed by Jack Mitchell. Comes directly from the Jack Mitchell Archives with a certificate of authenticity. This photograph was from a se...

Category

1970s Pop Art Jack Mitchell Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Beverly Sills and the cast of  New York City  Opera 'Maria Stuarda'
Beverly Sills and the cast of  New York City  Opera 'Maria Stuarda'

Beverly Sills and the cast of New York City Opera 'Maria Stuarda'

By Jack Mitchell

Located in Senoia, GA

11 x 14" vintage silver gelatin photograph Beverly Sills and the cast of New York City Opera "Maria Stuarda" in 1972. Comes directly from the Jack Mitche...

Category

1970s Pop Art Jack Mitchell Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Warhol Superstars Jackie Curtis and Candy Darling signed by Jack Mitchell
Warhol Superstars Jackie Curtis and Candy Darling signed by Jack Mitchell

Warhol Superstars Jackie Curtis and Candy Darling signed by Jack Mitchell

By Jack Mitchell

Located in Senoia, GA

11 x 14" vintage silver gelatin photograph of Warhol Superstar Jackie Curtis starring as Blue Denim with Andy Warhol transvestite superstar Candy Darling in his hit play "Vain Victor...

Category

1970s Pop Art Jack Mitchell Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Arnold Schwarzenegger, studio portrait, Signed by Jack Mitchell
Arnold Schwarzenegger, studio portrait, Signed by Jack Mitchell

Arnold Schwarzenegger, studio portrait, Signed by Jack Mitchell

By Jack Mitchell

Located in Senoia, GA

11 x 14" vintage silver gelatin photograph of professional bodybuilder Arnold Schwarzenegger posing at the top of his form in October 1976.. Signed by Jack Mitchell on the verso. Co...

Category

1970s Pop Art Jack Mitchell Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Joos Pelt, Bonnie Wyckoff, of the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, signed by Jack Mitchell
Joos Pelt, Bonnie Wyckoff, of the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, signed by Jack Mitchell

Joos Pelt, Bonnie Wyckoff, of the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, signed by Jack Mitchell

By Jack Mitchell

Located in Senoia, GA

11 x 14" vintage silver gelatin photograph of Joos Pelt and Bonnie Wyckoff of the Royal Winnipeg Ballet performing in 1977, signed by Jack Mitchell on the print verso. Comes directl...

Category

1970s Pop Art Jack Mitchell Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Dancers Brian Power & Manny Rowe, signed by Jack Mitchell
Dancers Brian Power & Manny Rowe, signed by Jack Mitchell

Dancers Brian Power & Manny Rowe, signed by Jack Mitchell

By Jack Mitchell

Located in Senoia, GA

11 x 14" vintage silver gelatin photograph, signed by Jack Mitchell. Comes directly from the Jack Mitchell Archives with a certificate of authenticity. This photograph was from a se...

Category

1970s Pop Art Jack Mitchell Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Pulitzer prize-winning playwright Tennessee Williams, signed by Jack Mitchell
Pulitzer prize-winning playwright Tennessee Williams, signed by Jack Mitchell

Pulitzer prize-winning playwright Tennessee Williams, signed by Jack Mitchell

By Jack Mitchell

Located in Senoia, GA

11 x 14" vintage silver gelatin photograph of Pulitzer prize-winning playwright Tennessee Williams, close up portrait with diamond pinky ring, photographed in 1971. Signed by Jack Mitchell in pencil on the print verso. NOTE: minor corner bends/cracks can be slightly matted to conceal. Comes directly from the Jack Mitchell Archives...

Category

1970s Pop Art Jack Mitchell Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Artist Robert Indiana with his LOVE sculpture, signed By Jack Mitchell
Artist Robert Indiana with his LOVE sculpture, signed By Jack Mitchell

Artist Robert Indiana with his LOVE sculpture, signed By Jack Mitchell

By Jack Mitchell

Located in Senoia, GA

11 x 14" vintage silver gelatin photograph of artist Robert Indiana photographed with his LOVE sculpture in 1969. Signed by Jack Mitchell on the print verso. Comes directly from the...

Category

1960s Pop Art Jack Mitchell Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Academy Award-winning actress Meryl Streep
Academy Award-winning actress Meryl Streep

Academy Award-winning actress Meryl Streep

By Jack Mitchell

Located in Senoia, GA

8 x 10" vintage silver gelatin photograph of Academy Award-winning actress Meryl Streep, 1978. This is a print that was published by a newspaper or magazi...

Category

1970s Pop Art Jack Mitchell Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Choreographer Eugene Loring studio portrait signed by Jack Mitchell
Choreographer Eugene Loring studio portrait signed by Jack Mitchell

Choreographer Eugene Loring studio portrait signed by Jack Mitchell

By Jack Mitchell

Located in Senoia, GA

11 x 14" vintage silver gelatin photograph of famed choreographer Eugene Loring, 1961. Signed on the print verso by Jack Mitchell. Comes directly from the Jack Mitchell Archives wit...

Category

1970s Pop Art Jack Mitchell Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Jack Mitchell photography for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a wide variety of authentic Jack Mitchell photography available for sale on 1stDibs. If you’re browsing the collection of photography to introduce a pop of color in a neutral corner of your living room or bedroom, you can find work that includes elements of purple, blue and other colors. You can also browse by medium to find art by Jack Mitchell in silver gelatin print, pigment print, archival pigment print and more. Much of the original work by this artist or collective was created during the 20th century and is mostly associated with the Pop Art style. Not every interior allows for large Jack Mitchell photography, so small editions measuring 5 inches across are available. Customers who are interested in this artist might also find the work of Andy Warhol, Nicholas Taylor, and Heidler & Heeps. Jack Mitchell photography prices can differ depending upon medium, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $300 and tops out at $2,275, while the average work can sell for $1,250.