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Portrait of My Friend Funke

1924
(Czech, 1896–1976)
Czechoslovakia, 20th century
gelatin silver print
Image: 29.5 x 23.6 cm (11 5/8 x 9 5/16 in.); Paper: 30.1 x 24.6 cm (11 7/8 x 9 11/16 in.)
John L. Severance Fund 1999.188
Location: not on view
This artwork is known to be under copyright.

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Description

Having a career that spanned almost sixty years, Sudek was Czechoslovakia's most distinguished photographer. Noted for his lyrical landscapes and still lifes, he also made penetrating portraits, such as this print of his oldest friend and fellow photographer, Jaromir Funke (1898-1945). Together, with several colleagues, they founded the progressive Czech Photographic Society in 1924. Sudek greatly admired Funke, noting that "he represented the avant-garde Czech photographers, and his superior intelligence aroused respect in artistic circles." Sudek posed his friend dressed in a thick wool overcoat, hands hidden in the pockets. The dark tones of the coat, blending into the shadowed background, highlight the young man's head seen in profile. The sharp, distinctive features, neatly combed-back hair, and round spectacles emphasize the intensity of the sitter's personality.
Portrait of My Friend Funke

Portrait of My Friend Funke

1924

Josef Sudek

(Czech, 1896–1976)
Czechoslovakia, 20th century

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