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Arnold Newman — Igor Stravinsky, New York City
Arnold Newman

Igor Stravinsky, New York City

A striking example of Arnold Newman's signature environmental portraiture, this gelatin silver print captures the legendary composer Igor Stravinsky dwarfed by the sweeping curve of a grand piano's open lid. The dramatic compositional contrast between the small human figure and the bold geometric form of the instrument serves as a powerful visual metaphor for Stravinsky's monumental contributions to modern music. Printed later and mounted, this work remains one of the most iconic and widely reproduced portraits in the history of photography.

Medium
Gelatin silver print, printed later and mounted.

🔨 Auction Lot

Photographs

May 8, 2013

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About this work

Arnold Newman, Igor Stravinsky, New York City

A striking example of Arnold Newman's signature environmental portraiture, this gelatin silver print captures the legendary composer Igor Stravinsky dwarfed by the sweeping curve of a grand piano's open lid. The dramatic compositional contrast between the small human figure and the bold geometric form of the instrument serves as a powerful visual metaphor for Stravinsky's monumental contributions to modern music. Printed later and mounted, this work remains one of the most iconic and widely reproduced portraits in the history of photography.

Medium
Gelatin silver print, printed later and mounted.
Seen at
Phillips, New York, London, Hong Kong

Related themes

20th Century, Male Artist, Modernist, Documentary Style, Black and White Photography, Gelatin Silver Print, American Photographer, Stark Composition, Environmental Portrait, Musical Subject, Master Photographer

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