Irving Penn (1917–2009) was one of the great photographers of our time. Focusing specifically on his portraits of major cultural figures of the last seven decades, Irving Penn Portraits is a glorious celebration of his work in this genre.The exhibition is brought together from major international collections and includes over 120 silver and platinum prints, many vintage, ranging from his portraits for Vogue magazine in the 1940s to some of his last work.
Penn photographed an extraordinary range of sitters from the worlds of literature, music and the visual and performing arts. Among those featured in the exhibition are Truman Capote, Salvador Dali, Christian Dior, T.S. Eliot, Duke Ellington, Grace Kelly, Rudolf Nureyev, Al Pacino, Edith Piaf, Pablo Picasso and Harold Pinter.This fascinating survey brings to light the significance of Penn’s visual language and provides a rare opportunity to explore his innovative use of composition, light and printing techniques.
The exhibition is on at the National Portrait Gallery from 18 February – 6 June 2010 and will tour to Palazzo delle Esposizioni, Rome from 1 July to 19 September 2010.
