Lisette Model, born in Vienna in 1901, revolutionized street photography with her bold and uncompromising style. Her work captured the essence of human character in urban settings, often focusing on the peculiar and absurd aspects of modern life.
Model's photographs showcased everyday people in candid moments, revealing their vulnerabilities and eccentricities.
Model's unique approach to street photography emphasized the raw and unfiltered nature of her subjects, challenging conventional notions of beauty and social norms. Her images often featured unconventional angles and close-up portraits, creating a sense of intimacy and immediacy that drew viewers into the scene.
This distinctive style influenced generations of photographers and helped establish street photography as a respected art form.
Throughout her career, Model's work appeared in prestigious publications such as Harper's Bazaar and US Camera. She later became a highly sought-after photography instructor at The New School in New York City, where she taught for three decades and mentored numerous aspiring photographers, including the renowned Diane Arbus.
Key Takeaways
- Lisette Model pioneered a bold street photography style that captured human eccentricities
- Her work influenced generations of photographers and elevated street photography as an art form
- Model's teaching career at The New School shaped many prominent photographers, including Diane Arbus
Early Life and Influences
Lisette Model's formative years were shaped by her European upbringing and artistic surroundings. Born Elise Amelie Felicie Stern in Vienna, she immersed herself in music and visual arts from a young age.
European Beginnings and Musical Roots
Lisette Model was born on November 10, 1901, in Vienna, Austria. Her diverse heritage included an Austrian-Italian Jewish father and a French Catholic mother. This multicultural background influenced her worldview and artistic sensibilities.
Model's early education focused on music. She studied piano and voice, developing a deep appreciation for classical and avant-garde compositions. Her musical training under Arnold Schoenberg, a pioneering composer, exposed her to innovative artistic approaches.
Artistic Circles in Vienna and Paris
Vienna's vibrant cultural scene played a crucial role in Model's artistic development. She interacted with German Expressionists, whose bold, emotive style later influenced her photography.
Model moved to Paris in her twenties, further expanding her artistic horizons. The city's bohemian atmosphere and avant-garde movements inspired her. She explored various creative disciplines, including painting and music.
Paris introduced Model to a diverse community of artists and intellectuals. These connections broadened her perspectives and ultimately led her to discover photography as her primary medium of expression.
Pivotal Career Movements
Lisette Model's journey in photography was marked by significant transitions and influential roles. Her shift from music to visual arts, teaching position, and groundbreaking works shaped her legacy in street photography.
Transition to Photography
In 1933, Model abandoned her musical pursuits and discovered photography through her sister Olga and friend Rogi André. André, the wife of renowned photographer André Kertész, played a crucial role in Model's artistic development.
Model's unique vision quickly emerged, characterized by unconventional angles and a focus on the unpolished aspects of urban life. Her approach challenged traditional aesthetics, embracing blur, grain, and unexpected compositions.
Her work gained recognition for its raw, unfiltered depiction of society. Model's photographs captured the essence of street life with a bold, unflinching gaze.
Teaching at the New School for Social Research
In 1951, Model joined the faculty of The New School for Social Research in Manhattan. Her photography course became the most sought-after in the city.
For three decades, Model shaped the next generation of photographers. Her teaching style emphasized personal vision and technical skill.
Notable students included Diane Arbus, whose work was profoundly influenced by Model's approach. Model's impact on documentary photography extended far beyond her own images through her role as an educator.
Iconic Works and Collaboration
Model's photographs gained widespread recognition in the 1940s. Her membership in the New York cooperative Photo League connected her with other influential photographers of the time.
Publications like PM's Weekly and Harper's Bazaar featured Model's work, bringing her unique perspective to a broader audience. Her collaborations with these magazines helped establish her reputation in the field.
Model's iconic images, such as those from her "Promenade des Anglais" series, exemplified her ability to capture the absurd and poignant moments of everyday life. Her work influenced contemporaries like Berenice Abbott, shaping the direction of street photography.
Photographic Style and Contributions
Lisette Model developed a distinctive approach to street photography that emphasized candid, often unflattering portrayals of her subjects. Her work captured the essence of urban life through unconventional perspectives and stark realism.
Technique and the Role of the Rolleiflex
Model's photographic style was characterized by her use of the Rolleiflex camera, which allowed her to shoot from the hip and capture subjects unaware. This technique resulted in dynamic, low-angle shots that became her signature.
She often employed close-up framing, emphasizing the raw details of her subjects' faces and bodies. Model's prints featured high contrast and grainy textures, adding to the gritty realism of her images.
Her work in the Lower East Side of New York City showcased her ability to document the vibrant street life and diverse characters of urban environments. Model's approach influenced generations of photographers, including her famous student Diane Arbus.
Promenade des Anglais and Other Notable Themes
The Promenade des Anglais series in Nice, France, marked a significant milestone in Model's career. These photographs depicted affluent beachgoers, often in unflattering poses, challenging conventional notions of beauty and social status.
Model's work at Coney Island further exemplified her interest in capturing the absurd and grotesque aspects of human behavior. She focused on sunbathers, carnival performers, and ordinary people engaged in leisure activities.
Her portraits of jazz musicians and nightclub performers in New York City revealed her fascination with the entertainment world. These images often portrayed subjects in moments of unguarded expression or exaggerated gestures.
Legacy and Impact
Lisette Model's distinctive style and approach to street photography left an indelible mark on the art world. Her work continues to inspire photographers and art enthusiasts alike, shaping the evolution of candid imagery.
Model's Influence on Future Generations
Model's impact on photography is evident in the work of her students and contemporaries. Diane Arbus, one of Model's most famous pupils, credits her teacher for encouraging a bold, direct approach to subjects.
Other notable photographers influenced by Model include Larry Fink, Lee Friedlander, and Rosalind Solomon.
Model's emphasis on capturing the raw, unfiltered essence of her subjects resonated deeply with the photographic community. Her techniques, such as using low angles and embracing grain in prints, became hallmarks of street photography.
During the McCarthy era, Model's unflinching portrayal of American society provided a powerful visual commentary on the times.
Exhibitions and Collections
Model's work has been widely exhibited and collected by prestigious institutions. The National Gallery of Canada houses the largest collection of her photographs and archives.
Other notable institutions featuring Model's work include:
- Museum of Modern Art, New York
- New Orleans Museum of Art
- J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles
Her book "Sixty Photographs" remains a seminal collection, showcasing her unique vision. The ongoing exhibitions of Model's work, such as "The Radical Camera," continue to introduce new generations to her groundbreaking approach to street photography.
Frequently Asked Questions
Lisette Model's street photography captured the essence of urban life with a unique perspective. Her work influenced future generations and left a lasting impact on the art world.
Who was Lisette Model, and what is she most recognized for in the field of photography?
Lisette Model was an Austrian-born American photographer who gained recognition for her street photography in the 1940s. She is most recognized for her frank and humanistic approach to capturing everyday life in urban settings.
Model's work focused on revealing the unexpected and often overlooked aspects of society through her lens.
What are the defining characteristics of Lisette Model's street photography style?
Model's street photography style is characterized by its unconventional angles and candid portraits. She often employed close-up shots and unusual perspectives to create striking images.
Her photographs frequently featured subjects who were considered "un-beautiful" by conventional standards, highlighting the diversity of human experiences.
How did Lisette Model influence future generations of photographers, such as Diane Arbus?
Lisette Model had a significant impact on future photographers, particularly through her role as a teacher. She taught photography at The New School in Manhattan for three decades, influencing numerous students.
One of her most famous students was Diane Arbus, who went on to become a renowned photographer in her own right.
What role did Lisette Model play in the exhibition history of MoMA's photography department?
Model's work was featured in exhibitions at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York, contributing to the institution's recognition of street photography as a significant art form.
Her photographs helped establish the importance of candid, documentary-style imagery in the art world.
Can the philosophy of street photography be observed in Lisette Model's body of work?
Model's body of work exemplifies the core principles of street photography. Her images capture spontaneous moments and reveal the rawness of urban life.
She focused on documenting everyday scenes and people. She often highlighted social contrasts and human vulnerabilities.
How did developments in the 19th century contribute to the democratization of photography as seen in the works of photographers like Lisette Model?
The 19th century saw significant advancements in photographic technology. These advancements made cameras more accessible and portable.
This allowed photographers like Model to capture candid moments on city streets.
The democratization of photography enabled artists to document a wider range of subjects and perspectives. It also paved the way for the street photography movement.
