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Kurt Markus Art

American, 1947-2022

Like the cowboys who were often the focus of his work, Kurt Markus’s photographs are imbued with a quiet strength. The acclaimed contemporary American lensman was universally known for his poignant black and white images, each one an intimate glimpse into the lives of their subjects.

Markus was born in 1947 in Whitefish, which is in rural Montana. Though his early childhood was spent outside, he knew that he didn't want to be a rancher. He attended the United States military academy West Point and served in the Army Rangers, but he realized the military was also not for him. Instead, he taught himself photography and fell in love with the craft.

Markus is best known for his moving photography of American cowboys. One of his books of cowboy photography, Cowpuncher, was named the best art book of the year by the National Cowboy Hall of Fame in 2002. Markus also trained his lens on the sport of boxing, photographing world champions like Mike Tyson in addition to lesser-known competitors all around the world, from Havana to Dublin. 

Markus was a successful and distinguished fashion photographer as well, working with publications like GQ, Vanity Fair, Esquire, Elle, Vogue and Harper's Bazaar. His long list of clients included the names Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren, Liz Claiborne and Armani. One of the most influential images of his career, Young Man, Y’s for Living, Vicksburg, Mississippi, 1988, was initially used in a fashion advertisement for Japanese design icon Yohji Yamamoto.

No matter what he was photographing, Markus was resolutely traditional in his technique. Even as digital photography became more common, he remained in the darkroom developing silver gelatin prints. He strove to keep the process simple and free of gimmickry.

Markus received numerous accolades over the course of his career, including Life magazine’s Alfred Eisenstaedt Award and several Clio Awards. His work has been exhibited at the Staley-Wise Gallery in New York City, the Obscura Gallery in Santa Fe and the Peter Fetterman Gallery in Santa Monica.

In 2013, Markus settled with his wife in Santa Fe, where he focused more on landscape photography. He died in 2022.

On 1stDibs, find a collection of original Kurt Markus photography.

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Artist: Kurt Markus
Batwings, Oro Ranch, Prescott, Arizona
Batwings, Oro Ranch, Prescott, Arizona

Batwings, Oro Ranch, Prescott, Arizona

By Kurt Markus

Located in Aramits, Nouvelle-Aquitaine

Kurt Markus, American (1947) Batwings, Oro Ranch, Prescott, Arizona Archival Pigment Print, Edition of 300, # 149, Signed and numbered. Framed. Measurements: Frame: H 57.15 cm/22.5 in x W 45.72 cm/18.5 in - Sight H 33.02 cm/13.5 in x W 25.4 cm/10.5 in Kurt Markus, self-taught American photographer, was born in rural Montana. Markus is a nationally and internationally published photographer. Markus’s work began with a focus on American West Cowboys...

Category

1980s Contemporary Kurt Markus Art

Materials

Archival Pigment

For Bogner, New York

For Bogner, New York

By Kurt Markus

Located in New York, NY

Kurt Markus, For Bogner, New York, 1993

Category

1990s Kurt Markus Art

Materials

Silver Gelatin

OO Ranch, Seligman, Arizona

OO Ranch, Seligman, Arizona

By Kurt Markus

Located in New York, NY

Signed by the photographer

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Kurt Markus Art

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Dave Zeller, Tuscarora, Nevada

Dave Zeller, Tuscarora, Nevada

By Kurt Markus

Located in New York, NY

Signed by the photographer

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Kurt Markus Art

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Zx Ranch, Paisley, OR

Zx Ranch, Paisley, OR

By Kurt Markus

Located in New York, NY

This photograph is signed by the photographer. Please see additional editions listed below. Larger sizes may be available upon request.

Category

1980s Kurt Markus Art

Materials

Silver Gelatin

YP Ranch, Tuscarora, Nevada

YP Ranch, Tuscarora, Nevada

By Kurt Markus

Located in New York, NY

Please see additional editions listed below. Larger sizes may be available upon request.

Category

1980s Kurt Markus Art

Materials

Silver Gelatin

YP Ranch, Tuscarora, Nevada

YP Ranch, Tuscarora, Nevada

By Kurt Markus

Located in New York, NY

This photograph is signed by the photographer. Please see additional editions listed below. Larger sizes may be available upon request.

Category

1980s Kurt Markus Art

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Y's For Living, Nebraska

Y's For Living, Nebraska

By Kurt Markus

Located in New York, NY

This photograph is signed by the photographer. Please see additional editions listed below. Larger sizes may be available upon request.

Category

1980s Kurt Markus Art

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Women In White Dresses

Women In White Dresses

By Kurt Markus

Located in New York, NY

This photograph is signed by the photographer. Please see additional editions listed below. Larger sizes may be available upon request.

Category

Late 20th Century Kurt Markus Art

Materials

Silver Gelatin

White Horse Ranch Field, Oregon

White Horse Ranch Field, Oregon

By Kurt Markus

Located in New York, NY

This photograph is signed by the photographer. Please see additional editions listed below. Larger sizes may be available upon request.

Category

1980s Kurt Markus Art

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Wallé, New York, NY

Wallé, New York, NY

By Kurt Markus

Located in New York, NY

Please see additional editions listed below. Larger sizes may be available upon request.

Category

1990s Kurt Markus Art

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Two Women

Kurt MarkusTwo Women

Price Upon Request

Two Women

By Kurt Markus

Located in New York, NY

This photograph is signed by the photographer. Please see additional editions listed below. Larger sizes may be available upon request.

Category

Late 20th Century Kurt Markus Art

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Stanley Stenart, Y's For Living, Vicksburg, Mississippi

Stanley Stenart, Y's For Living, Vicksburg, Mississippi

By Kurt Markus

Located in New York, NY

This photograph is signed by the photographer. Please see additional editions listed below. Larger sizes may be available upon request.

Category

1980s Kurt Markus Art

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Rod Turner, Y's for Living, Vicksburg, Mississippi

Rod Turner, Y's for Living, Vicksburg, Mississippi

By Kurt Markus

Located in New York, NY

This photograph is signed by the photographer. Please see additional editions listed below. Larger sizes may be available upon request.

Category

1980s Kurt Markus Art

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Pat's City Bar, Mosquero, New Mexico

Pat's City Bar, Mosquero, New Mexico

By Kurt Markus

Located in New York, NY

This photograph is signed by the photographer. Please see additional editions listed below. Larger sizes may be available upon request.

Category

1980s Kurt Markus Art

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Oro Ranch, Prescott, AZ

Oro Ranch, Prescott, AZ

By Kurt Markus

Located in New York, NY

This photograph is signed by the photographer. Please see additional editions listed below. Larger sizes may be available upon request.

Category

1980s Kurt Markus Art

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Oro Ranch, Prescott, Arizona

Oro Ranch, Prescott, Arizona

By Kurt Markus

Located in New York, NY

This photograph is signed by the photographer. Please see additional editions listed below. Larger sizes may be available upon request.

Category

1980s Kurt Markus Art

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Oro Ranch, Prescott, Arizona

Oro Ranch, Prescott, Arizona

By Kurt Markus

Located in New York, NY

This photograph is signed by the photographer. Please see additional editions listed below. Larger sizes may be available upon request.

Category

1980s Kurt Markus Art

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Oro Ranch, Prescott, Arizona

Oro Ranch, Prescott, Arizona

By Kurt Markus

Located in New York, NY

This photograph is signed by the photographer. Please see additional editions listed below. Larger sizes may be available upon request.

Category

1980s Kurt Markus Art

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Monument Valley, Utah

Monument Valley, Utah

By Kurt Markus

Located in New York, NY

This photograph is signed by the photographer. Please see additional editions listed below. Larger sizes may be available upon request.

Category

2010s Kurt Markus Art

Materials

Archival Pigment

Monument Valley, Utah

Monument Valley, Utah

By Kurt Markus

Located in New York, NY

This photograph is signed by the photographer. Please see additional editions listed below. Larger sizes may be available upon request.

Category

Early 2000s Kurt Markus Art

Materials

Archival Pigment

John Aquiso, Big Springs Ranch, Bruneau, Idaho

John Aquiso, Big Springs Ranch, Bruneau, Idaho

By Kurt Markus

Located in New York, NY

This photograph is signed by the photographer. Please see additional editions listed below. Larger sizes may be available upon request.

Category

1980s Kurt Markus Art

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Il Ranch, Nevada

Il Ranch, Nevada

By Kurt Markus

Located in New York, NY

This photograph is signed by the photographer. Please see additional editions listed below. Larger sizes may be available upon request.

Category

1980s Kurt Markus Art

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Dunes, Namibia, Africa

Dunes, Namibia, Africa

By Kurt Markus

Located in New York, NY

This photograph is signed by the photographer. Please see additional editions listed below. Larger sizes may be available upon request.

Category

Early 2000s Kurt Markus Art

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Dunes, Namibia, Africa

Dunes, Namibia, Africa

By Kurt Markus

Located in New York, NY

This photograph is signed by the photographer. Please see additional editions listed below. Larger sizes may be available upon request.

Category

Early 2000s Kurt Markus Art

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Dunes, Namibia, Africa

Dunes, Namibia, Africa

By Kurt Markus

Located in New York, NY

This photograph is signed by the photographer. Please see additional editions listed below. Larger sizes may be available upon request.

Category

Early 2000s Kurt Markus Art

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Dunes, Namibia, Africa

Dunes, Namibia, Africa

By Kurt Markus

Located in New York, NY

This photograph is signed by the photographer. Please see additional editions listed below. Larger sizes may be available upon request.

Category

Early 2000s Kurt Markus Art

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Dunes, Namibia, Africa

Dunes, Namibia, Africa

By Kurt Markus

Located in New York, NY

This photograph is signed by the photographer. Please see additional editions listed below. Larger sizes may be available upon request.

Category

Early 2000s Kurt Markus Art

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Dunes, Namibia, Africa

Dunes, Namibia, Africa

By Kurt Markus

Located in New York, NY

This photograph is signed by the photographer. Please see additional editions listed below. Larger sizes may be available upon request.

Category

Early 2000s Kurt Markus Art

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Dunes, Namibia, Africa

Dunes, Namibia, Africa

By Kurt Markus

Located in New York, NY

This photograph is signed by the photographer. Please see additional editions listed below. Larger sizes may be available upon request.

Category

Early 2000s Kurt Markus Art

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Dunes, Namibia, Africa

Dunes, Namibia, Africa

By Kurt Markus

Located in New York, NY

This photograph is signed by the photographer. Please see additional editions listed below. Larger sizes may be available upon request.

Category

Early 2000s Kurt Markus Art

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Dunes, Namibia, Africa

Dunes, Namibia, Africa

By Kurt Markus

Located in New York, NY

This photograph is signed by the photographer. Please see additional editions listed below. Larger sizes may be available upon request.

Category

Early 2000s Kurt Markus Art

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Dunes, Namibia, Africa

Dunes, Namibia, Africa

By Kurt Markus

Located in New York, NY

This photograph is signed by the photographer. Please see additional editions listed below. Larger sizes may be available upon request.

Category

Early 2000s Kurt Markus Art

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Dunes, Namibia, Africa

Dunes, Namibia, Africa

By Kurt Markus

Located in New York, NY

This photograph is signed by the photographer. Please see additional editions listed below. Larger sizes may be available upon request.

Category

Early 2000s Kurt Markus Art

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Dunes, Namibia

Dunes, Namibia

By Kurt Markus

Located in New York, NY

This photograph is signed by the photographer. Please see additional editions listed below. Larger sizes may be available upon request.

Category

Early 2000s Kurt Markus Art

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Dunes, Namibia

Dunes, Namibia

By Kurt Markus

Located in New York, NY

This photograph is signed by the photographer. Please see additional editions listed below. Larger sizes may be available upon request.

Category

Early 2000s Kurt Markus Art

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Dunes, Namibia

Dunes, Namibia

By Kurt Markus

Located in New York, NY

This photograph is signed by the photographer. Please see additional editions listed below. Larger sizes may be available upon request.

Category

Early 2000s Kurt Markus Art

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Dunes, Namibia

Dunes, Namibia

By Kurt Markus

Located in New York, NY

This photograph is signed by the photographer. Please see additional editions listed below. Larger sizes may be available upon request.

Category

Early 2000s Kurt Markus Art

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Dunes, Namibia, Africa

Dunes, Namibia, Africa

By Kurt Markus

Located in New York, NY

This photograph is signed by the photographer. Please see additional editions listed below. Larger sizes may be available upon request.

Category

Early 2000s Kurt Markus Art

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Donell Wince, Y's For Living, Vicksburg, Mississippi

Donell Wince, Y's For Living, Vicksburg, Mississippi

By Kurt Markus

Located in New York, NY

This photograph is signed by the photographer. Please see additional editions listed below. Larger sizes may be available upon request.

Category

1980s Kurt Markus Art

Materials

Silver Gelatin

CO Bar Ranch, Flagstaff, Arizona

CO Bar Ranch, Flagstaff, Arizona

By Kurt Markus

Located in New York, NY

This photograph is signed by the photographer. Please see additional editions listed below. Larger sizes may be available upon request.

Category

1980s Kurt Markus Art

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Church at Las Trampas, New Mexico

Church at Las Trampas, New Mexico

By Kurt Markus

Located in New York, NY

This photograph is signed by the photographer. Please see additional editions listed below. Larger sizes may be available upon request.

Category

1990s Kurt Markus Art

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Christy Turlington, San Francisco

Christy Turlington, San Francisco

By Kurt Markus

Located in New York, NY

This photograph is signed by the photographer. Please see additional editions listed below. Larger sizes may be available upon request.

Category

1990s Kurt Markus Art

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Christy Turlington, El Salvador

Christy Turlington, El Salvador

By Kurt Markus

Located in New York, NY

This photograph is signed by the photographer. Please see additional editions listed below. Larger sizes may be available upon request.

Category

1990s Kurt Markus Art

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Christy Turlington, British VOGUE

Christy Turlington, British VOGUE

By Kurt Markus

Located in New York, NY

This photograph is signed by the photographer. Please see additional editions listed below. Larger sizes may be available upon request.

Category

1990s Kurt Markus Art

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Christy Turlington, San Francisco

Christy Turlington, San Francisco

By Kurt Markus

Located in New York, NY

This photograph is signed by the photographer. Please see additional editions listed below. Larger sizes may be available upon request.

Category

1990s Kurt Markus Art

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Bert Ancell, Bell Ranch, New Mexico

Bert Ancell, Bell Ranch, New Mexico

By Kurt Markus

Located in New York, NY

This photograph is signed by the photographer. Please see additional editions listed below. Larger sizes may be available upon request.

Category

1980s Kurt Markus Art

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Ann Klinge, Omaha, Nebraska

Ann Klinge, Omaha, Nebraska

By Kurt Markus

Located in New York, NY

Please see additional editions listed below. Larger sizes may be available upon request.

Category

1990s Kurt Markus Art

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Dunes, Namibia

Dunes, Namibia

By Kurt Markus

Located in New York, NY

Dunes, Namibia, Africa, 2002

Category

Early 2000s Kurt Markus Art

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Namibia, Africa

Namibia, Africa

By Kurt Markus

Located in New York, NY

Namibia, Africa #20

Category

Early 2000s Kurt Markus Art

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Dunes, Namibia

Dunes, Namibia

By Kurt Markus

Located in New York, NY

Kurt Markus Dunes, Namibia, 2002

Category

Early 2000s Kurt Markus Art

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Hooded Man

Kurt MarkusHooded Man, 1998

Price Upon Request

Hooded Man

By Kurt Markus

Located in Santa Monica, CA

Signed by artist in pencil

Category

Late 20th Century Kurt Markus Art

Materials

Platinum

John Harrison, Elko, Nevada

John Harrison, Elko, Nevada

By Kurt Markus

Located in New York, NY

Signed by the photographer. Additional sizes available upon request.

Category

1980s Kurt Markus Art

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Y's for Living, Vicksburg, Mississippi

Y's for Living, Vicksburg, Mississippi

By Kurt Markus

Located in New York, NY

Signed by the photographer. Additional sizes available upon request.

Category

1980s Kurt Markus Art

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Kurt Markus art for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a wide variety of authentic Kurt Markus art available for sale on 1stDibs. You can also browse by medium to find art by Kurt Markus in silver gelatin print, archival pigment print, 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 contemporary style. Not every interior allows for large Kurt Markus art, so small editions measuring 10 inches across are available. Customers who are interested in this artist might also find the work of Lynn Goldsmith, Indira Cesarine, and Brett Weston. Kurt Markus art prices can differ depending upon medium, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $1,647 and tops out at $8,000, while the average work can sell for $6,000.

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