Josef Sudek

Czech, (1896). Kolin, Bohemia.

 

Josef Sudek, often referred to as the "Poet of Prague," was a Czech photographer whose hauntingly beautiful images captured the essence of his beloved city and the human condition. Born in 1896 in Kolín, Sudek was originally a bookbinder, and started his journey into photography after he lost an arm in World War I, which led him to explore the medium as a form of self-expression.

Notable achievements include his mastery of the technique of contact printing and his innovative use of light and shadow to imbue his photographs with a sense of mystery and emotion. Sudek's work often focused on the quiet moments of everyday life, evoking a sense of nostalgia and introspection.

Famous works such as "The Window of My Studio" and "Prague Panoramas" showcase Sudek's unique vision and technical skill. His legacy as one of the greatest photographers of the 20th century lives on through his evocative images, which continue to captivate and inspire audiences around the world.

A reclusive person, Sudek never married, never showed up to openings, and rarely made photographs with people in them.

 
 
 

Hawaii, 1983

Measures 19 1/4” x 15 1/14”

Signed & dated, recto.

Vintage Cibachrome

A rare color print from Coles “Think of Color as Form” portfolio, dedicated to his father, Edward Weston.