Overview: 83 works in this first major retrospective of American photographer Irving Penn included examples of the major genres in which Penn worked, such as portraits, fashion studies, ethnographic subjects, and still lifes. 12 of Penn's Platinum Test Materials collages, consisting of test strips associated with the finished platinum prints, were also on view. The exhibition was selected from photographs the artist donated to the National Gallery in 2002.

Organization: The exhibition was organized by the National Gallery of Art, Washington. Sarah Greenough, curator and head of the department of photographs, was the curator.

Sponsor: The exhibition was sponsored by Merrill Lynch. It was supported by the Trellis Fund and The Ryna and Melvin Cohen Family Foundation.