Image

Horst P. Horst

Gertrude Lawrence

Description

Maker

Horst P. Horst (American, 1906-1999)

Title

Gertrude Lawrence

Year

1936

Medium

Materials/Techniques

Techniques

Materials

silver print

Dimensions

25.2 x 20.2 cm (9 15/16 x 7 15/16 inches)

Signature / Inscription / Marks

Signed in pencil on verso:Gertrude Lawrence Horst10/16/36 sitting Nov. 15, 1936 dated issued Inscription:in white ink on recto UR:H 145-12 Copyright stamp on verso On verso in pencil:1765 On verso in blue pencil:5138 On verso in pink pencil:1936

Credit / Object Number

Credit

Museum purchase with funds from the National Endowment for the Arts

Object Number

78.092

Type

Exhibition History

Exhibition History

Facing Artists
Twentieth Century Portraits from the Collection
Feb 27, 2009 – Jul 31, 2009

Label copy

Horst P. Horst began his career as a furniture designer influenced by the Bauhaus before becoming a protégé of French Vogue’s chief photographer Baron

Hoyningen-Huene when he moved to Paris in 1930. Under Hoyningen-Huene’s tutelage, Horst developed a classical approach to composition. His sensitive posing

and sophisticated lighting arrangements became a trademark. This picture of the famous musical comedy performer Gertrude Lawrence (English, 1898-1952) was

shot in 1936, the year she gained wide acclaim for her role in Noël Coward’s play Tonight at 8:30. Here Horst mixed textures-the severe column and the sparkling

evening dress-with an elegant pose that is the quintessence of 1930s glamour.

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Tombstone

Horst P. Horst (American, 1906-1999)
Gertrude Lawrence, 1936
Gelatin silver print
25.2 x 20.2 cm (9 15/16 x 7 15/16 inches)
Museum purchase with funds from the National Endowment for the Arts 78.092

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