Portrait of Cyril Connolly, Writer

Currently not on view

Portrait of Cyril Connolly, Writer

1963

Richard Avedon (American, 1923–2004)

Flash has become an indispensable tool in the portrait studio. Some photographers combine flash with natural light; others, like Richard Avedon, exclude natural light entirely to take complete control over how their subjects will appear. Under strobe lights, Avedon presents a world that is dramatic and exaggerated, an environment well suited to his sitters, various icons of the fashion world and other notable people. Here, Avedon’s lighting makes the writer Cyril Connolly appear almost sculptural; the rigid pose and stark white background contribute to this effect.

Currently not on view

Object Details

Title:

Portrait of Cyril Connolly, Writer

Date:

1963

Artist:

Richard Avedon (American, 1923–2004)

Medium:

Gelatin silver print

Dimensions:

Image/Sheet/Mount: 19 13/16 × 15 11/16 inches (50.4 × 39.8 cm)

Classification:

Photographs

Credit Line:

Bequest of Anthony Morris Clark, 1978

Accession Number:

1978-70-768

Geography:

Photograph taken in United States, North and Central America

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Currently not on view