earthly bodies: irving penn's nudes, 1949-50
double signed first edition, 2002.
showcases irving penn's renowned 1949-50 series of female nudes, a lesser-known but crucial part of his work. penn, famous for his portraiture and commercial photography, created these intimate, powerful images during intense sessions with artist's models. the photographs are described as charged with both sensuality and a sense of purity, capturing a rare balance of physicality and grace.
the book examines these nudes as a key moment in penn's artistic evolution, offering a "frieze of life" that portrays women as "earthly goddesses."
featuring high-quality reproductions of penn's silver and platinum prints, the book includes four dramatic gatefolds and an insightful essay by maria morris hambourg. released alongside a traveling exhibition at the metropolitan museum of art, this publication provides the first serious study of this important and relatively overlooked aspect of penn's work.
new york: the metropolitan museum of art and the bullfinch press. isbn: 0-8212-2787-4. 95 pages. 11.5x12". hardcover. bound in cloth-covered boards. book condition: fine. jacket condition: mild shelfwear. near fine. Item #1149
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