Irving Penn
#103,587 Most Popular
About
Photographer whose stunning portraits of models and celebrities earned him national acclaim. Among his subjects were Martha Graham, Marcel Duchamp, Pablo Picasso, and Igor Stravinsky.
Before Fame
He initially intended to become a painter; however, a job designing cover photographs for Vogue magazine in the 1940s jumpstarted his career in photography.
Trivia
His photographs were characterized by the use of natural light and spare backgrounds.
Family Life
His wife, fashion model Lisa Fonssagrives, modeled for many of his best-known works. Their son Tom became a metal designer.
Associated With
His younger brother Arthur Penn directed "Bonnie and Clyde" and other films.
