Peter Halsman American, 1906-1979

Philippe Halsman was a renowned Latvian-born photographer, celebrated for his innovative and engaging portraiture, particularly of the mid-20th century's most prominent figures. Born on May 2, 1906, in Riga, then part of the Russian Empire, Halsman’s early life was marked by a passion for photography, which he honed during his studies in Paris. His career took a significant turn after fleeing Europe in the face of rising anti-Semitism and the looming threat of World War II. Settling in the United States in 1940, Halsman quickly gained recognition for his ability to capture the essence of his subjects, working with luminaries such as Salvador Dalí, Marilyn Monroe, and Albert Einstein.

Halsman’s unique approach to photography often involved a playful exploration of his subjects, encapsulated in his signature technique of "jump photography," where he encouraged his subjects to leap in mid-air, resulting in dynamic and unexpected compositions. His work not only redefined portraiture but also contributed to the burgeoning field of photojournalism, with his images frequently gracing the covers of iconic magazines like Life and Vogue. Throughout his prolific career, which spanned over five decades until his death in 1979, Halsman's legacy as a master of visual storytelling left an indelible mark on both art and fashion photography, solidifying his place as one of the great photographers of the 20th century.