One of the most important photographers of this century, Irving Penn has created images that have become documents of our era, ranging from portraits of indigenous peoples of Peru, New Guinea, and Morocco to those of internationally renowned actors, artists, politicians, and writers; from sharply rendered fashion editorials to evanescent nudes; and from arresting compositions of street trash to gravity-defying still lifes of Clinique cosmetics.

In 1995 Penn donated his professional archives to the Art Institute, along with a set of prints representing his life's work. This striking catalogue, which accompanied a major international exhibition of Penn's photographs, celebrates the artist's gift to the museum and calls attention to the opportunity the archive will provide for studying his outstanding career. Including remembrances of Penn and reflections on his work by Rosamond Bernier, Colin Eisler, Issey Miyake, and others; a full description of the archives; and over two hundred beautifully reproduced images that represent his breadth as an artist, this book presents a unique record of Penn's achievements.

"Gorgeous picture layout and good essays make this the best book on Penn so far." --American Photo

The Art Institute of Chicago and Bulfinch Press, 1997
9 1/2 x 12 in.; 192 pages; 193 illustrations (19 color, 80 tritone, 94 duotone)
Hardcover $65.00 ISBN 0-8212-2459-X

This book is available to booksellers at wholesale prices from Bulfinch Press.