HORST | HIGH GLAMOUR VS. SURREALISM Horst P. Horst (German-American, 1906-1999) Best known as a high

HORST | HIGH GLAMOUR VS. SURREALISM

Horst P. Horst (German-American, 1906-1999)

Best known as a high fashion photographer, Horst P. Horst is most recognized for his portraits of women, work with Vogue, and extremely atmospheric style accompanied with meticulous lighting. 

After mastering the art of fashion photography, delicacy and glamour, Horst’s aesthetics shifted into surrealism. Although his surrealist and still life work deviated from glamour, a Horst photograph holds an uncanny sophistication and moody quality. 

Often reflecting the ideal view of Greek physical beauty, his work holds a whimsical quality, including his fashion photographs.  Mostly monochromatic images, Horsts’s work used lighting as the second muse to his subject. He rarely used filters to reach his effortless sophistication. Before each shoot, Horst carefully prepared with lighting and studio props to achieve his signature style. There is no doubt that his work displays range and technique. 

[Images via Conde Nast / Horst Estate ]