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Steve McCurry — Sharbat Gula, Afghan Girl, Pakistan
Steve McCurry

Sharbat Gula, Afghan Girl, Pakistan

A striking portrait photograph captures a young Afghan refugee girl with piercing sea-green eyes that seem to gaze directly into the soul of the viewer, her intense stare conveying both resilience and vulnerability. McCurry's masterful use of color and light emphasizes the vivid contrast between her teal headscarf and the warm tones of her skin, creating an image of extraordinary emotional depth. First published on the cover of National Geographic in 1985, this chromogenic print has become one of the most recognized and iconic photographs of the twentieth century.

Medium
Chromogenic print, printed 2013.

🔨 Auction Lot

Photographs Day Sale

April 2, 2015

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About this work

Steve McCurry, Sharbat Gula, Afghan Girl, Pakistan

A striking portrait photograph captures a young Afghan refugee girl with piercing sea-green eyes that seem to gaze directly into the soul of the viewer, her intense stare conveying both resilience and vulnerability. McCurry's masterful use of color and light emphasizes the vivid contrast between her teal headscarf and the warm tones of her skin, creating an image of extraordinary emotional depth. First published on the cover of National Geographic in 1985, this chromogenic print has become one of the most recognized and iconic photographs of the twentieth century.

Medium
Chromogenic print, printed 2013.
Seen at
Phillips, New York, London, Hong Kong

Related themes

Serene, Color, Documentary, American, Photograph, Afghan, Chromogenic Print, Portrait, Human Figure, Contemporary

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