Exhibitions

Edward Steichen: Portraits

April 11, 2008 – September 1, 2008

 George Gershwin, © The Estate of Edward Steichen/Joanna T. Steichen

National Portrait Gallery
8th and G Streets, NW
Washington, DC

2nd Floor, North

See on Map Floor Plan

This exhibition, drawn exclusively from the National Portrait Gallery's collection of Steichen's photographs, features 50 images from the years of his association with Vanity Fair as well as examples of Steichen's earlier portrait work. As chief photographer from 1923-36 for Vanity Fair, he used dramatic lighting, sharpened focus, and bold compositions to create compelling images of many celebrated personalities—from Charlie Chaplin to Franklin D. Roosevelt—setting a new standard for photographic portraitures.