From Marilyn Monroe to Igor Stravinsky, from Pablo Picasso to John F. Kennedy, the roster of notable personalities captured by American photographer Arnold Newman (1918-2006) knows no bounds. Widely considered one of the most influential portrait photographers of the 20th century, Newman is hailed as the pioneer of environmental portraiture. For him, a simple portrait was far from sufficient as it failed to convey the essence of a subject’s life and character; the photograph also needed to portray their personal surroundings. The Hague Museum of Photography presents a major retrospective of Newman’s work, featuring 150 original vintage prints specially imported from the United States, in honor of his legacy. “Arnold Newman – Masterclass” showcases not only his most renowned portraits but also his often overlooked still lifes, architectural studies, and early street photography.
Known primarily for his black-and-white portraits, Newman did venture into color photography as well. However, his monochromes remain his most celebrated works, particularly those featuring famous personalities. Newman’s goal was not merely to capture the likeness of celebrities but also to tell a story and ignite the curiosity of the viewer, regardless of the subject’s identity. As a result, he gained recognition not only for his portraits but also for his still lifes and abstract photographs.
Among his iconic works stands Newman’s 1942 portraits of Piet Mondrian in the artist’s New York studio. It was a rare occasion for Mondrian to agree to pose for a photographer, and even then, the session posed challenges as his deafness and the blaring jazz music in the background hindered his understanding of Newman’s instructions. Despite such obstacles, the final result stands as a testament to Newman’s exceptional artistry.
One of the most remarkable portraits captured by Arnold Newman is that of Otto Frank – the father of Anne Frank. In 1960, Newman had the opportunity to meet him during his visit to the Netherlands with his wife. Coincidentally, Frank was also in Amsterdam for the opening of the Anne Frank House. Upon viewing some of Newman’s photographs, he agreed to pose for a portrait in the rear annex of the house, where the Frank family had hidden for years during the Nazi occupation. The result was an impactful photograph of a deeply affected Otto Frank.
Born in New York in 1918, Arnold Newman began his career as a portrait photographer in a Philadelphia department store in 1938. Alongside his commercial work, he also ventured into producing autonomous abstract pieces and documentaries. In 1946, he moved to New York and started working as a freelance photographer for prestigious magazines such as Harper’s Bazaar, Life, and The New Yorker. He passed away in New York in 2006, at the age of 88.
www.ftn-books.com has several publications on Newman and his photography available.
