Provenance

Irving Penn

Irving Penn Studio, Inc.

American, 1917 - 2009

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The image shows the upper part of a person's body, from the waist up. The person is standing upright, facing the camera. The person's head is covered with a large, rectangular piece of paper that has two cut-out holes for the eyes and an additional hole for the nose. No details of facial features or hair are visible. The individual is dressed in a dark suit and white shirt. There is no visible jewelry or objects being held. The background is plain and of a neutral, solid color.
Irving Penn, Steinberg in Nose Mask, New York, 1966, platinum/palladium print on Arches paper, 1976, Gift of Irving Penn, 2002.119.63

Steinberg in Nose Mask, New York

Irving Penn · 1966 · platinum/palladium print on Arches paper, 1976 ·  Accession ID  2002.119.63

The image shows two children sitting side by side on a wooden chair. The boy, on the left, has short dark hair and wears a hat, a jacket, and pants. The girl, on the right, wears a hat, a dress with long sleeves, and a full skirt. Their faces have neutral expressions. They hold hands. A man stands in the foreground with a camera on a tripod. On the wall to the left, there are small portraits in a frame. The background has a draped backdrop and a tiled floor, with an open doorway leading to a darker area on the left side.
Photographer unknown, American 20th Century, Irving Penn at Work in Cuzco, Peru, 1948, gelatin silver print, Gift of Irving Penn, 2005.77.1

Irving Penn at Work in Cuzco, Peru

Photographer unknown, American 20th Century · 1948 · gelatin silver print ·  Accession ID  2005.77.1

The image depicts an abstract composition of jagged and irregular shapes against a light background. There are intersecting lines extending outwards in various directions. In the center, there is a camel-like outline, reminiscent of Camel cigarette branding. Surrounding this are various textures and forms resembling natural debris like twigs, grass, and feathers, merging into the silhouette of a vintage cigarette packaging.
Irving Penn, Camel Pack, New York, 1975, platinum/palladium print on Arches paper, 1975, Gift of Irving Penn, 2002.119.92

Camel Pack, New York

Irving Penn · 1975 · platinum/palladium print on Arches paper, 1975 ·  Accession ID  2002.119.92

The image shows an abstract design composed of broad, dark strokes and textured markings at the center. The design resembles the form of a large leaf or a piece of crumpled fabric. Charcoal-like textures are used to create depth and movement, with smaller scattered specks around the central shape. The image contains lines extending from the main form, suggesting paths of falling debris.
Irving Penn, Archipelago, New York, 1975, platinum/palladium print on Arches paper, 1975, Gift of Irving Penn, 2002.119.91

Archipelago, New York

Irving Penn · 1975 · platinum/palladium print on Arches paper, 1975 ·  Accession ID  2002.119.91

This is a photograph of a collage of various black and white images. The composition includes photographs of objects, abstract forms, objects resembling sculptures, a seated figure dressed in traditional attire, and a vintage portrait. The layout of the collage is informal, with photographs arranged haphazardly and some appearing to be taped to a surface. The black and white palette ties the elements together, creating a cohesive piece. The variance in textures and subjects among the photographs present a visually dynamic piece.
Irving Penn, Platinum Test Materials 5/17, 1989, collage of platinum/palladium prints on assorted papers, Gift of Irving Penn, 2002.119.5

Platinum Test Materials 5/17

Irving Penn · 1989 · collage of platinum/palladium prints on assorted papers ·  Accession ID  2002.119.5

This is a collage of black and white photographs. The images include a still life with a container of eggs, a glass of wine, and slices of bread or cake on a table. There is a surreal portrait of a figure with a mask on their face, a sophisticated arrangement of fruits in a bowl, a tribal figure wearing traditional attire and jewelry, and a close-up portrait. Central to the composition is an image of two figures draped in fabric with their forms masked.
Irving Penn, Platinum Test Materials 7/17, 1989, collage of platinum/palladium prints on assorted papers, Gift of Irving Penn, 2002.119.7

Platinum Test Materials 7/17

Irving Penn · 1989 · collage of platinum/palladium prints on assorted papers ·  Accession ID  2002.119.7

This is a photograph of a collection of black and white photographic prints arranged in a collage format. The composition features a large image of a woman in a sophisticated pose holding roses, clad in a form-fitting, elegant black dress and gloves. Surrounding this central figure are several smaller images, including a close-up of a person's eye, portraits of faces showing various expressions, an abstract texture resembling a leaf or a piece of fabric, and an image of an individual entirely covered by a dark cloth. The collage is meticulously arranged, with each smaller image taped to the backing.
Irving Penn, Platinum Test Materials 1/17, 1989, collage of platinum/palladium prints on assorted papers, Gift of Irving Penn, 2002.119.1

Platinum Test Materials 1/17

Irving Penn · 1989 · collage of platinum/palladium prints on assorted papers ·  Accession ID  2002.119.1

This is a collage of various images. The composition consists of black and white photographs and illustrations taped onto a white background. The subjects include portraits, a sculpture, an abstract shape, and cut-out elements. Each image varies in size and is placed at angles, overlapping in some areas. Some images are labeled with handwritten notes and marks.
Irving Penn, Platinum Test Materials 4/17, 1989, collage of platinum/palladium prints on assorted papers, Gift of Irving Penn, 2002.119.4

Platinum Test Materials 4/17

Irving Penn · 1989 · collage of platinum/palladium prints on assorted papers ·  Accession ID  2002.119.4

This is a collage made of various black and white images. The collage features close-up shots of facial features, such as eyes and facial expressions, alongside more abstract images like a cup and saucer, a skull on a mechanical device, and artifacts with intricate textures or patterns. Some photos are taped at the corners with masking tape, and the positioning varies, with some overlapping. The use of black and white gives the composition a classic appearance, highlighting the details and textures in each piece.
Irving Penn, Platinum Test Materials 6/17, 1989, collage of platinum/palladium prints on assorted papers, Gift of Irving Penn, 2002.119.6

Platinum Test Materials 6/17

Irving Penn · 1989 · collage of platinum/palladium prints on assorted papers ·  Accession ID  2002.119.6

This is a collage of black and white images. The images include a shirtless man holding a loaf of bread, a grid-like structure, a textured bowl or pot, a bust in profile, an old-fashioned portrait of two figures standing together, and a man with curly hair looking at the camera. The images emphasize traditional or historical photographic techniques.
Irving Penn, Platinum Test Materials 2/17, 1989, collage of platinum/palladium prints on assorted papers, Gift of Irving Penn, 2002.119.2

Platinum Test Materials 2/17

Irving Penn · 1989 · collage of platinum/palladium prints on assorted papers ·  Accession ID  2002.119.2