Philippe Halsman

Philippe Halsman was born on May 2, 1906, in Riga, which was then part of the Russian Empire and now the capital of Latvia. He was born into a Jewish family and would later become one of the most distinguished photographers of the 20th century. His early life set the stage for a career that would span multiple countries and see immense contributions to portrait photography.

In 1928, Philippe Halsman was involved in a highly publicized murder trial in Austria. He was accused of killing his father, Morduch Halsman, during a hiking trip in the Tyrolean Alps. The case attracted widespread attention and was marked by allegations of antisemitism. Halsman was initially sentenced to four years in prison, but his case became an international cause célèbre, drawing attention from notable intellectuals and figures who advocated for his release, including Albert Einstein and Sigmund Freud.

Philippe Halsman was released from prison in Austria in 1931, after serving two years of his four-year sentence. His release followed significant international pressure and campaigns led by prominent intellectuals who believed in his innocence. The campaign brought together a variety of academics, writers, and political figures who argued not only his innocence but also what they perceived as judicial bias and antisemitism in the trial process.

Philippe Halsman arrived in New York in 1940 after fleeing Nazi-occupied France. With little more than his camera and the support of friends, he began to establish himself in the new world of American photography. His move to the United States marked the start of his career at the forefront of American portraiture, and he soon became one of the most sought-after photographers in the country. His unique style would define a new era of celebrity portraiture and magazine covers.

In 1949, Philippe Halsman co-founded the Magnum Photo agency’s new branch in New York, called MPI Photographers (Magnum Photos International). This new cooperative was part of Halsman's effort to support photographers and enhance the business aspect of photography, providing a platform for photographers to control their work and rights more effectively. His involvement in establishing this organization cemented his role not only as a leading photographer but also as a key figure in the development of the photographic profession.

In 1951, Philippe Halsman took one of his most iconic photographs of the surrealist artist Salvador Dalí. The photograph is famous for its creative depiction of Dalí alongside a series of flying cats and a splash of water, embodying the essence of Dalí's artistic style. Halsman and Dalí collaborated on several projects, with Halsman's surreal approach to photography complementing Dalí's art, leading to a series of extremely popular and groundbreaking works that still captivate audiences today.

In 1958, Philippe Halsman published his famous "Jump Book" in which he compiled a series of photographs capturing famous personalities in mid-air leap, known as the "jumping style." This book epitomized Halsman's unique approach to photography, portraying celebrities in a candid and joyous light. Known for these 'jump' portraits, Halsman's work included images of some of the most iconic figures of the time, including politicians, artists, and entertainers, all captured in mid-air, revealing a different, often playful side to their public personas.

In June 1961, Philippe Halsman had one of his last photo sessions with Marilyn Monroe. Over the course of his career, he photographed Monroe many times, contributing to some of the most memorable images of the iconic actress. These sessions helped cement Monroe’s image as the quintessential Hollywood starlet and showcased Halsman’s skill in bringing out the personality and charisma of his subjects.

In 1971, Philippe Halsman was elected as the president of the American Society of Magazine Photographers (ASMP), an organization dedicated to enhancing professional standards and promoting the rights of photographers. His leadership reflected his deep commitment to the field of photography and underscored his influence in the professional community, earning him great respect and recognition from his peers.

In 1979, Philippe Halsman retired from professional photography, marking the end of a remarkable era in visual art. Over his decades-long career, he produced numerous iconic portraits of major public figures, from artists and writers to Hollywood stars and politicians, profoundly shaping the landscape of 20th-century portrait photography and leaving a lasting legacy in the art world.

Philippe Halsman passed away on June 21, 1979, in New York City. His death marked the end of an era in portrait photography, but his influence on the field remains profound. Through his lens, Halsman captured not just the faces, but the spirits of his subjects, whether they were celebrities, artists, or ordinary people. His inventive techniques and psychological approach to portraiture continue to inspire photographers today, ensuring his legacy lives on in the world of photography.