Philippe Halsman’s deep interest in the human face informed a celebrated and decades-spanning career in portrait photography. Shot in black and white, his portrait photographs feature celebrities, artists, politicians and intellectuals. The iconic photographs appeared on the covers of some of the biggest magazines, including Life, Look, Esquire and Paris Match.
Halsman was born in Riga, Latvia, in 1906. When he was 15 years old, he discovered a camera in the attic. He fell in love with taking pictures and spent most of his allowance on his new hobby. He later studied engineering, but left school before earning his degree and moved to Paris to pursue photography.
In the 1930s, Halsman lived in Montparnasse, the artistic center of Paris. He caught his first big break when he approached French writer André Gide to take his portrait. After that, many more writers and actors requested photographs, and Halsman began shooting for Vogue, Viola and Vu.
When World War II broke out, Halsman sent his pregnant wife and daughter to the United States. He could not go with them due to his Latvian passport. As luck would have it, he was pen pals with famed physicist Albert Einstein, who intervened and ensured that Halsman was granted a visa. He arrived in New York City in 1940.
In America, Halsman had to start from scratch. A turning point was when beauty tycoon Elizabeth Arden used one of his photographs to advertise her Victory Red lipstick. In the early 1940s, Halsman met artist Salvador Dalí, and the two became friends and partners. One of their most notable collaborations was the 1948 photograph Dalí Atomicus, which shows Dalí, his cats, canvas, furniture and water floating in the air.
Throughout the rest of his career, Halsman was a prolific contributor to Life magazine and his photographs were on the cover 101 times. In 1958, Popular Photography named him one of the “World’s Ten Greatest Photographers”.
On 1stDibs, find a collection of Philippe Halsman’s photography.
Marilyn Monroe, Hamburger, 1952
By Philippe Halsman
Located in Santa Monica, CA
estate stamped, numbered, and signed by the Estate Representative Oliver Halsman Rosenberg Archival Pigment Print 16x20 Edition of 50
Archival Pigment
Antique Signed Original Rare Humphrey Bogart Portrait Photograph
By Philippe Halsman
Located in Buffalo, NY
Vintage signed and extremely rare photograph of Humphrey Bogart by Philippe Halsman (1906 - 1979). Signed. Framed. Measuring 17 by 21 inches overall and 10.25 by 13.25 photograph a...
Photographic Paper, Silver Gelatin
$3,562
Grace Kelly for Philippe Halsman - Photograph by Philippe Halsman - 1955
By Philippe Halsman
Located in Roma, IT
Vintage b/w photograph realized by Philippe Halsman in 1955. Copyright Magnum Photos and Agenzia Contrasto Excellent condition.
Photographic Paper
Marilyn Monroe, Weight Lifting
By Philippe Halsman
Located in Santa Monica, CA
estate stamped, numbered, and signed by the Estate Representative Oliver Halsman Rosenberg Archival Pigment Print 16x20 Edition of 50
Archival Pigment
Dali is painting medusas head on Galas forehead
By Philippe Halsman
Located in Cologne, DE
An amazing item, with numerous stamps and notes on the back showing its active life as a press photo. The quality is fair due to decades in use. But it is absolutly unique.
Silver Gelatin
French poet, artist, and filmmaker Jean Cocteau with actress Ricki Soma
By Philippe Halsman
Located in New York, NY
French poet, artist, and filmmaker Jean Cocteau with actress Ricki Soma and dancer Leo Coleman New York City, 1949/printed later Estate stamp in black ink, verso Archival pigment p...
Archival Pigment
Marilyn Monroe, 1959
By Philippe Halsman
Located in Santa Monica, CA
estate stamped, numbered, and signed by the Estate Representative Oliver Halsman Rosenberg Archival Pigment Print 20x16 Edition of 50
Archival Pigment
Marilyn Monroe, 1959
By Philippe Halsman
Located in Santa Monica, CA
estate stamped, numbered, and signed by the Estate Representative Oliver Halsman Rosenberg Archival Pigment Print 20x16 Edition of 50
Archival Pigment
Dali in Port Ligat, 1964
By Philippe Halsman
Located in Cologne, DE
Philippe Halsman Dali in Port Ligat, 1964
Silver Gelatin
$5,000Sale Price|41% Off
Phillipe Halsman Portrait Photography Lauren Bacall Black and White Framed 1944
By Philippe Halsman
Located in Buffalo, NY
The work offered for sale here is an original vintage silver gelatin print hand created by Halsman in 1944 and exhibited at the International Center for Photography. Philippe Halsman was at one point considered the best photo-portraitist in France. He had an incessant interest in faces: “Every face I see seems to hide—and sometimes fleetingly reveal—the mystery of another human being.” Halsman’s photographs of politicians, celebrities, and intellectuals were featured widely in magazines like LIFE and Vogue. His more famous subjects included the likes of Marc Chagall, Le Corbusier, Audrey Hepburn, and Albert Einstein. He also had a 37-year collaboration with Salvador Dalí, which resulted in several famous surrealist series including the “Dalí’s Mustache” portraits...
Photographic Paper, Silver Gelatin, Wood
Marilyn From the Reverse
By Philippe Halsman
Located in Buffalo, NY
The work offered for sale here is an original vintage silver gelatin print hand created by Halsman in 1953. Philippe Halsman was at one point considered the best photo-portraitist in France. He had an incessant interest in faces: “Every face I see seems to hide—and sometimes fleetingly reveal—the mystery of another human being.” Halsman’s photographs of politicians, celebrities, and intellectuals were featured widely in magazines like LIFE and Vogue. His more famous subjects included the likes of Marc Chagall, Le Corbusier, Audrey Hepburn, and Albert Einstein. He also had a 37-year collaboration with Salvador Dalí, which resulted in several famous surrealist series including the “Dalí’s Mustache...
Photographic Paper, Silver Gelatin
Dali Cyclops
By Philippe Halsman
Located in Buffalo, NY
The work offered for sale here is an original vintage silver gelatin print hand created by Halsman and used as the cover proof for the "Dali Mustache Book". Philippe Halsman was at one point considered the best photo-portraitist in France. He had an incessant interest in faces: “Every face I see seems to hide—and sometimes fleetingly reveal—the mystery of another human being.” Halsman’s photographs of politicians, celebrities, and intellectuals were featured widely in magazines like LIFE and Vogue. His more famous subjects included the likes of Marc Chagall, Le Corbusier, Audrey Hepburn, and Albert Einstein. He also had a 37-year collaboration with Salvador Dalí, which resulted in several famous surrealist series including the “Dalí’s Mustache” portraits...
Silver Gelatin
Marilyn Crying (1950)
By Philippe Halsman
Located in Buffalo, NY
The work offered for sale here is an original vintage silver gelatin print hand created by Halsman in 1950. This work comes in an archival frame presentation. The image alone is approximately 13 x 9. The work was acquired directly from the artist and comes with a COA and lifetime guarantee. Philippe Halsman was at one point considered the best photo-portraitist in France. He had an incessant interest in faces: “Every face I see seems to hide—and sometimes fleetingly reveal—the mystery of another human being.” Halsman’s photographs of politicians, celebrities, and intellectuals were featured widely in magazines like LIFE and Vogue. His more famous subjects included the likes of Marc Chagall, Le Corbusier, Audrey Hepburn, and Albert Einstein. He also had a 37-year collaboration with Salvador Dalí, which resulted in several famous surrealist series including the “Dalí’s Mustache” portraits...
Photographic Paper, Silver Gelatin
Anna Magnani - Photograph by Philippe Halsman - 1951
By Philippe Halsman
Located in Roma, IT
Vintage b/w photograph realized by Philippe Halsman in 1951. Copyright: Magnum Photos and Agenzia Contrasto. Excellent condition.
Photographic Paper
The True Marilyn (1956)
By Philippe Halsman
Located in Buffalo, NY
The work offered for sale here is an original vintage silver gelatin print hand created by Halsman in 1956. This work comes in an archival frame presentation. The image alone is approximately 9 x 13. The work was acquired directly from the artist and comes with a COA and lifetime guarantee. Philippe Halsman was at one point considered the best photo-portraitist in France. He had an incessant interest in faces: “Every face I see seems to hide—and sometimes fleetingly reveal—the mystery of another human being.” Halsman’s photographs of politicians, celebrities, and intellectuals were featured widely in magazines like LIFE and Vogue. His more famous subjects included the likes of Marc Chagall, Le Corbusier, Audrey Hepburn, and Albert Einstein. He also had a 37-year collaboration with Salvador Dalí, which resulted in several famous surrealist series including the “Dalí’s Mustache” portraits...
Photographic Paper, Silver Gelatin
Price Upon Request
Dali Atomicus
By Philippe Halsman
Located in New York, NY
Philippe Halsman Dali Atomicus 1948/c. 1969-70 Signed twice in pencil, verso; Also titled and dated in pencil, verso; Also studio stamp in black ink, verso Vintage gelatin silver ...
Silver Gelatin
Price Upon Request
Salvador Dali (Cheese)
By Philippe Halsman
Located in New York, NY
Stamped by the photographer’s studio on the reverse Please inquire about additional limited sizes and editions
Silver Gelatin
Price Upon Request
Marilyn-Mao
By Philippe Halsman
Located in New York, NY
All editions stamped by the photographers estate.
Silver Gelatin
Price Upon Request
Unknown (Dali, A Seated Dwarf, And Models On Pedestal)
By Philippe Halsman
Located in New York, NY
Unknown (Dali, A Seated Dwarf, And Models On Pedestal) 11x14 inches
Silver Gelatin
Price Upon Request
Dali's Mustache
By Philippe Halsman
Located in New York, NY
Dali's Mustache, 1953 11x14 inches Edition of 250
Silver Gelatin
Price Upon Request
Dali In Port Lligat
By Philippe Halsman
Located in New York, NY
Dali In Port Lligat, 1964 11x14 inches Edition of 250
Silver Gelatin
Price Upon Request
Dali Fishing
By Philippe Halsman
Located in New York, NY
Dali Fishing, 1954 11x14 inches Edition of 250
Silver Gelatin
$1,600
H 9.25 in W 7.63 in D 0.07 in
Orpheus #1 - Gelatin Silver Photograph Balanchine Ballet Classical Male Nudes
By George Platt Lynes
Located in Glenford, NY
George Platt Lynes 1948 Photograph #1 of Balanchine Ballet ‘Orpheus’. George Platt Lynes rare original vintage 1948 gelatin silver photograph (dated by the NY City Public Library) of nude dancers Francisco Moncion and Nicholas Magallanes in George Balanchine's iconic mid-20th Century ballet 'Orpheus'. Stamped on verso in dark blue ink at upper center, "GEORGE PLATT LYNES/145 EAST 52 STREET NEW YORK”. Photo shoot took place in NYC. Costumes and Set by ISAMU NAGUCHI. Photo is 7 5/8 x 9 1/4 inches, soft satin finish in excellent condition. This photograph is from Francisco Moncion's original collection given to him by George Platt Lyons. It is one of 14 different poses in the 'Orpheus' series. 8 different photographs are remaining for sale and are available on request. All are original Platt Lyons gelatin silver prints original to Moncion's collection and are stamped by the photographer. Photographs from this celebrated series are in the permanent collections of the Metropolitan Museum of Art (NYC), Museum of Modern Art (MOMA, NYC), the NYC Public Library, and many university art archives. George Platt Lynes (1907–1955), was a gregarious American portrait, dance, fashion, and male nude photographer whose career spanned the late 1920s through the early 1950s. From age eighteen, Lynes entered the cosmopolitan world of the American expatriate community in Paris when he became acquainted with the salon of Gertrude Stein and Alice B. Toklas. He began photographing authors like Stein, Jean Cocteau, André Gide, and Colette and soon established himself as one of the premier fashion photographers in the Condé Nast stable, documenting the ballet companies of George Balanchine/Lincoln Kirstein, and pursuing a private obsession with seductive images of young male nudes rarely published in his lifetime. Orpheus represents a major 20th Century artistic collaboration between composer Igor Stravinsky, choreographer George Ballanchine, and artist/designer Isamu Naguchi. Orpheus is a thirty-minute neoclassical ballet composed by Igor Stravinsky in collaboration with choreographer George Balanchine in Hollywood, California in 1947. The work was commissioned by Ballet Society, later renamed New York City Ballet, which Balanchine founded with Lincoln Kirstein. Sets and costumes were created by Isamu Noguchi. Noguchi’s lyre harp from the production became the symbol of the New York City Ballet. Francisco Moncion (July 6, 1918 – April 1, 1995) was a charter member of the New York City Ballet. Over the course of his forty year career, choreographers George Balanchine, and Jerome Robbins in the New York City Ballet created 22 major roles for Moncion including the Dark Angel...
Silver Gelatin
$1,650
H 30 in W 40 in
Jayne Mansfield with Seagrams Dogs (Limited Edition of 10, No 6-10) - 30"x40"
By Barry Kramer
Located in New York, NY
Shot by Barry Kramer (1921- 1984), one of the most prolific photographers of his time, captures the essence of 1950's Hollywood movie star, Jane Mansfield...
Archival Pigment
Bert Hardy 'Mercedes Racer' Archival Photograph by Getty, 20x24
Located in San Rafael, CA
Argentinian race car driver Juan Fangio (1911 - 1995) in his Mercedes at Le Mans, June 1955. The race saw the death of Mercedes team mate Pierre Levegh and 80 spectators. Original Pu...
Photographic Paper
Fern Spring, Dusk, Yosemite
By Ansel Adams
Located in Pacific Grove, CA
This silver gelatin print with exemplary provenance is unsigned but bears several stamps from the artist's family on the back of the mount, including the authentication stamp of Adam...
Silver Gelatin
$375
H 20 in W 24 in
Haywood Magee 'Louis Armstrong on Stage' Archival Photograph 20x24
Located in San Rafael, CA
American jazz trumpeter and bandleader Louis 'Satchmo' Armstrong (1900 - 1971), shouts after clarinettist Edmund Hall's solo, on stage during the band's British tour, May 19, 1956. A...
Photographic Paper
Sailor, Istanbul, 1994
By Micheal McLaughlin
Located in Hudson, NY
Each year, Robin Rice celebrates a Salon style exhibition to showcase her gallery artists and invite new ones. With Robin’s extensive experience as a gallery curator, all Robin Rice...
Silver Gelatin
Gravestone Detail
By Ansel Adams
Located in Pacific Grove, CA
This silver gelatin print is initialed "AA" in felt-tip ink either by the artist or an unknown hand on the front of the mount. This print comes from the collection of the artist's da...
Silver Gelatin
Steve Wood 'Grooming Freddie Mercury' Archival Photograph by Getty, 12x16
Located in San Rafael, CA
Rock singer and frontman Freddie Mercury (Frederick Bulsara, 1946 - 1991), of the popular British group Queen, has his moustache groomed. (Photo by Steve Wood/Express/Getty Images) ...
Photographic Paper
$350
H 16 in W 16 in D 0.02 in
Peter Ruck 'Shaken Not Stirred' 007 Archival Photograph by Getty 16x16
Located in San Rafael, CA
An iconic image by the photographer Peter Ruck. Roger Moore, downs a Martini, July 17th, 1968. Moore had recently been awarded his second Bravo Otto award for most popular television...
Photographic Paper
'Ali in Training' by R. McPhedran, Archival Photograph by Getty, 16 x 20
Located in San Rafael, CA
American heavyweight boxer Muhammad Ali throws bare-handed punches in the ring while in training for his fight against Brian London, London, England, August 1966. (Photo by R. McPhed...
Photographic Paper
$3,750
H 30 in W 60 in D 0.1 in
'Awakening' Master Edition Photographic Triptych. Yosemite Mountains Trees Light
By Sophia Milligan
Located in Penzance, GB
'Awakening' Archival photographic triptych. Unique Master Edition of 1. Unframed. _________________ Morning light illuminates the layered landscape of Yosemite National Park, Half D...
Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Giclée, Archival Pigment
$375
H 20 in W 24 in D 0.02 in
Joseph McKeown 'Need for Speed' Grand Prix Archival Photograph by Getty 20x24
By Joseph McKeown
Located in San Rafael, CA
July 17, 1954: Argentinian racer Juan Manuel Fangio (1911 - 1995) chalks up a win for the Mercedes team at the French Grand Prix in Reims. Original Publication: Picture Post - 7209 -...
Photographic Paper
In Voluptate Mors, Salvador Dali's portrait, 1951
By Philippe Halsman
Located in PARIS, FR
Philippe Halsman (1906-1979) In Voluptate Mors, portrait of Salvador Dali, 1951 Silver print, 1981 Stamp "Halsman/Dali copyright Philippe Halsman © 81", numbered 66/250 Dimensions of the work : 31 x 25,7 cm Dimensions of the frame : 50 x 40 cm Born in Riga in 1906, Philippe Halsman moved to Paris in the 1930s, where he set up as a photographer in the Montparnasse district. He produced portraits of artists and intellectuals of the day, including Le Corbusier, André Malraux and André Gide. In the 1930s, Philippe Halsman exhibited at the avant-garde Galerie de la Pléiade...
Silver Gelatin
In Voluptas Mors (Dalí)
By Philippe Halsman
Located in Dallas, TX
In 1951, Salvador Dali, everyone's favorite mustachioed surrealist, teamed up with Magnum photographer Philippe Halsman to create one of the most enchanting, morbid and bizarre photographs of all time. Entitled "In Voluptas Mors," or Voluptuous Death, the black-and-white photo stars a melange of nude women, expertly arranged to resemble a macabre skull. Dali stands next to the literal human skull, quizzically eyeing the viewer like some sort of dubious ringmaster. Halsman and Dali originally met in 1941, and embarked on a series of collaborations over the next 30 years, including a compendium of Dali's famed mustaches. (We're glad to know Halsman had the same appreciation for them that we do.) Yet no work has the legacy of "Voluptuous Death," which combines Halsman's knack for stunning psychological portraiture with a little Dali-esque weirdness. A cache of photographs delving behind-the-scenes of the iconic artwork has recently resurfaced, showing that arranging a bunch of naked people...
Photographic Paper
untitled (fashion photograph of two women)
By Philippe Halsman
Located in Fairlawn, OH
Unknown Portrait of Two Women Silver Gallatine print, c. 1950's Signed with the photographers stamp verso Appears to be a Life cover illustration, but I can find no documentation. Ex...
Silver Gelatin
Sold
H 18 in W 24 in
Alfred Hitchcock and Francois Truffaut Hollywood California USA 1962
By Philippe Halsman
Located in Toronto, ON
18" x 24" Unframed Limited Edition Photograph of 200 MAGNUM Photography
Archival Paper, C Print, Digital
Photographic Portraits: “Georgia O’Keeffe” Poster
By Philippe Halsman
Located in Chesterfield, MI
PHILIPPE HALSMAN (Russian-American, 1906-1979) Photographic Portraits: “Georgia O’Keeffe”, Poster Portfolio, November 15, 1981-January 15, 1982 Event Poster 24.5 x 19 in. Unframed Pl...
Lithograph
Sold
H 10 in W 8 in
Gina Lollobrigida Jumping, Black and White Vintage Photograph of Hollywood 1950s
By Philippe Halsman
Located in New york, NY
Gina Lollobrigida jumping, c1950 by Philippe Halsman captures the zeitgeist of mid-century Hollywood. This is a 10" x 8" vintage gelatin silver photograph -- a black and white photog...
Photographic Film, Photographic Paper, Silver Gelatin
Sold
H 14 in W 11 in
Professor Albert Einstein, An Iconic Gelatin Silver Portrait Photograph 1940s
By Philippe Halsman
Located in New york, NY
This is a black and white portrait photograph of Professor Albert Einstein in his Study at Princeton, in 1947, by Philippe Halsman. A 14" x 11" (sheet size) hand-signed on back of ph...
Photographic Film, Photographic Paper, Silver Gelatin
Sold
H 11 in W 14 in
Marilyn Monroe, Vintage Gelatin Silver Photograph 1950s of Actress with Barbells
By Philippe Halsman
Located in New york, NY
A black and white portrait photograph of one of the most famous celebrities of the 20th century -- actress Marilyn Monroe with Barbells, 1952 by Philippe Halsman. This is a signed (verso) vintage gelatin silver print - with photographer's copyright stamp, signature, and hand-written title "Marilyn Monroe Lifting Barbells" verso (back of photo). In mid-century America and internationally known Marilyn Monroe became a favorite muse for photographers such as Ernst Haas, Philippe Halsman, and Bert Stern who immortalized her through their images. With her breathy voice and hourglass figure, Monroe remains today a larger than life personality and Hollywood star still appreciated worldwide. MM exuded sensuality and vulnerability for an adoring public but the American goddess...
Photographic Film, Photographic Paper, Silver Gelatin
Sold
H 14 in W 11 in
Marilyn Monroe, Black and White Portrait Photography for Life Mag (Variant)
By Philippe Halsman
Located in New york, NY
A black and white vintage portrait photograph of actress, Marilyn Monroe, in 1952 by celebrity photographer Philippe Halsman - this portra...
Photographic Film, Photographic Paper, Silver Gelatin
Sold
H 16 in W 12 in
Marilyn Monroe, Iconic Gelatin Silver Photograph of Hollywood Actress for TIME
By Philippe Halsman
Located in New york, NY
A black and white iconic portrait photograph of Hollywood actress Marilyn Monroe by Philippe Halsman, selected for the cover of life magazine, 1952. This is a 16" x 12" lifetime print from the 1970s, signed by Philippe Halsman on verso (back of photo). In mid-century America and internationally well-known Marilyn Monroe became a favorite muse for photographers such as Ernst Haas, Philippe Halsman, and Bert Stern who immortalized her through their images. ’With her breathy voice and hourglass figure, Monroe remains today a larger than life personality and Hollywood star still appreciated worldwide. MM exuded sensuality and vulnerability for an adoring public but the American goddess...
Photographic Film, Photographic Paper, Silver Gelatin
Sold
H 19 in W 14 in
Phillipe Halsma Marilyn Monroe Jumping Photograph Black and White (1956/1981)
By Philippe Halsman
Located in Buffalo, NY
The work offered for sale here is an original vintage silver gelatin print created from Halsman's original negatives in 1981 by the artists estate. This pieces comes stamped and han...
Photographic Paper, Silver Gelatin
Ballerina Enrica Soma, Hollywood, 1949
By Philippe Halsman
Located in Soquel, CA
Enrica Soma (May 9, 1929 – January 29, 1969) was an American socialite, model, and prima-ballerina. She was also the wife of director John Huston and mother of actress Anjelica Husto...
Photographic Paper, Silver Gelatin