Alfred Eisenstaedt (1898 - 1995)
Alfred Eisenstaedt (1898 – 1995)
The pioneering photojournalist Alfred Eisenstaedt was born in Dirschau, West Prussia. An ardent amateur photographer, he became a professional in 1929 and was hired by the German office of the Associated Press. His early work was heavily influenced by the pioneering documentary photographer Erich Salomon and during his years in Germany he was present for many historically important events.
Eisenstaedt emigrated to the United States in 1935 in consequence of rising anti-semitism in Germany. In 1936 he became one of the original four staff photographers for the new Life magazine; over the span of his career, he contributed 90 cover photos and approximately 2,500 photo essays to that publication.
Eisenstaedt was a devotee of the Leica 35mm camera, introduced commercially in 1925. He was so closely linked to it that Leica presented him with a unique model in crhome bearing serial number M3-1000001 in recognition of his contributions both to his profession and to the popularity of the 35mm format. He died at Oak Bluffs, Martha’s Vineyard.
Nathan Milstein, Vladimir Horowitz, and Gregor Piatigorsky - Berlin, 1931
Silver gelatin print; edition of 250. Image size 12-3/8" x 9½"; sheet size 14" x 11". Numbered 56/250 and signed in ink by Eisenstaedt in the lower margin. A later printing from the original negative by the great photojournalist captured at a concert intermission in Berlin, following their performance of a Beethoven trio.
All three of these musicians were coincidentally born in Russia in 1903 and emigrated to the west at various times. Each ranks among the greatest performers (violin, piano, and cello, respectively) of the twentieth century, captured in full dress sophisticated elegance by Eisenstaedt early in his career. Fine condition, in a museum-quality mat and mount in a matte black aluminum gallery frame with UV resistant Plexiglas glazing.
On Reserve