Photography

Photography and Public Image

MoMA Photography Theme

Questions

MoMA Photography Theme

What is the relationship between fame and photography?

MoMA Photography Theme

Mathew Brady (studio of). President Lincoln, c. 1862.

Take a close look at this photographic portrait of President Abraham Lincoln

What do you notice about President Lincoln in this image?

What do you notice about the facial expression and body language of the subject?

Based on this portrait, how would you describe this President?

MoMA Photography Theme

Nadar (Gaspard-Félix Tournachon) . Théophile Gautier. 1855.

Let’s look at Nadar’s portrait French writer and critic Théophile Gautier

What does the composition, pose, and lighting tell you about this person?

Based on this portrait, how would you describe Gautier?

MoMA Photography Theme

Philippe Halsman. Dalí Atomicus. 1948.

What is going on in this portrait of Salvador Dalí by Phillippe Halsman?

MoMA Photography Theme

Richard Avedon. Marilyn Monroe, actress, New York. 1957

Let’s take a look at this portrait of Marilyn Monroe by Richard Avedon

What do you notice about Monroe’s expression?

Based on this portrait, how would you describe Monroe?

MoMA Photography Theme

Richard Avedon. Marilyn Monroe, actress, New York. 1957.

Let’s compare these two celebrity portraits

Philippe Halsman. Dalí Atomicus. 1948.