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Odessa, U.S.S.R.

1957
(American, 1928–2023)
America, 20th century
gelatin silver print
Image: 16 x 23.9 cm (6 5/16 x 9 7/16 in.); Paper: 20.3 x 25.2 cm (8 x 9 15/16 in.); Matted: 35.6 x 45.7 cm (14 x 18 in.)
Gift of Walter Matzner 1978.170
© Elliott Erwitt/MAGNUM Photos, Inc.
Impression: 1
Location: not on view
This artwork is known to be under copyright.

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Description

The son of Russian emigrants, Elliott Erwitt was born in Paris and came to the United States at the age of 10. Since the 1950s he has worked as a photojournalist, commercial photographer, and filmmaker, but is probably most widely known for his humorous images of people and/or dogs. Erwitt's intention "to make sure the major light in a picture falls at right angles to the camera" is clearly evident in this formal composition filled with shadows and highlights. Geometric shapes, angles, and lines contribute to the starkness of the picture of a young girl intently playing the piano while a towering woman watches.
Odessa, U.S.S.R.

Odessa, U.S.S.R.

1957

Elliott Erwitt

(American, 1928–2023)
America, 20th century

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