Brassaï

1973
(American, 1902–1984)
Image: 34.9 x 26.1 cm (13 3/4 x 10 1/4 in.); Matted: 55.9 x 45.7 cm (22 x 18 in.)
© Trustees of the Ansel Adams Publishing Rights Trust
This artwork is known to be under copyright.
Location: not on view

Download, Print and Share

Description

Widely recognized as a master photographer of the natural landscape, Adams practiced unmanipulated, "straight" photography, incorporating a powerful sense of light, broad tonal range, and accuracy of detail and texture in all his work. This close-up portrait of his long-time friend, the French photographer Brassäi (1899-1984), clearly illustrates those traits with highlights on the face and hat, numerous white, gray, and black tones, and detailed texture of the skin, eyebrows, and hat. Brassäi was often referred to as "The Eye of Paris" due to his numerous nighttime photographs that disclosed the pulse of the city. Rejecting the use of "expressiveness" in his portraits, Adams once wrote, "The expression-many possible expressions-are implied." However, by capturing his sitter's penetrating eyes and dispassionate, quizzical look, Adams aptly conveyed Brassäi's role as a keen observer.
Brassaï

Brassaï

1973

Ansel Adams

(American, 1902–1984)
America, 20th century

Visually Similar Artworks

Contact us

The information about this object, including provenance, may not be currently accurate. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@clevelandart.org.

To request more information about this object, study images, or bibliography, contact the Ingalls Library Reference Desk.

All images and data available through Open Access can be downloaded for free. For images not available through Open Access, a detail image, or any image with a color bar, request a digital file from Image Services.