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Walker Evans Portrait Photography

American, 1903-1975

Walker Evans's primary subjects were poor Americans found in rural settings, roadside stands, cheap cafes, simple bedrooms, and small-town main streets. He was drawn to capturing people when “their guard is down, and the mask is off.”

The Great Depression years of 1935–36 were some of the peak years for Evans's photography. During those important years Evans honed his skills of observation: “Stare. It is the way to educate your eye, and more. Stare, pry, listen, eavesdrop. Die knowing something. You are not here long.”

Evans's iconic images of small-town barbers, churches and cemeteries reveal a deep respect for the common man. In addition to the iconic Let Us Now Praise Famous Men, a book of photos by Walker Evans and text by American writer James Agee, published in 1941, Evans's book First and Last included the Burroughs Family photographs.

From the first day he turned to his camera, Evans brought literature, lyricism, irony and storytelling to the art of photography.

"Leaving aside the mysteries and the inequities of human talent, brains, taste and reputations, the matter of art in photography may come down to this: it is the capture and projection of the delights of seeing; it is the defining of observation full and felt," Evans said.

Find original Walker Evans photography on 1stDibs.

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Artist: Walker Evans
Burroughs Family, Alabama, Black and White Portrait Photography, Edition 44/75
By Walker Evans
Located in New york, NY
Burroughs Family, Hale County, Alabama, 1936 is paper size: 11" x 11.25" and image size: 7.5" x 9.4" A silver gelatin print c.1978 in an edition 44/75. Inscribed in ink on front of p...
Category

1930s Contemporary Walker Evans Portrait Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin, Photographic Film, Photographic Paper

Two Women on the Subway, New York City, Black and White Portrait Photography
By Walker Evans
Located in New york, NY
A classic black and white photograph from the late 1930s to early 1940s, Two Women on The Subway in New York City is by a master of 20th century photography. In an edition of 75, the...
Category

1940s Contemporary Walker Evans Portrait Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin, Photographic Film, Photographic Paper

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Walker Evans portrait photography for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a wide variety of authentic Walker Evans portrait photography available for sale on 1stDibs. You can also browse by medium to find art by Walker Evans in film, paper, photographic film 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 Walker Evans portrait photography, so small editions measuring 11 inches across are available. Customers who are interested in this artist might also find the work of Earlie Hudnall Jr., Silvia Lareo-Vazquez, and Robert Stivers. Walker Evans portrait photography prices can differ depending upon medium, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $5,000 and tops out at $5,000, while the average work can sell for $5,000.

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