Passage: A Work Record

by Irving Penn, Alexandra Arrowsmith, Nicola Majocchi

A retrospective of Penn's portraits, fashion photography, and still lifes

Genres: Photography, Art

300 pages, Hardcover

First published November 20, 1991

About the author

Irving Penn was an American photographer known for his portraiture and fashion photography.

Reviews

[Jereme · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not entirely interested in fashion photography, and not very familiar with Irving Penn's work, I wasn't sure what to expect. His portraits are wonderful, though, especially those from his "Small Trades" series, and his still lifes blow me away. Beautiful stuff and excellent reproduction. This book is definitely going on my "to buy" list, and I'll be seeking out his still lifes book. Still, the fashion work doesn't do much for me (my personal preference). Thankfully, this book doesn't focus heavily on it.

[Vfields Don't touch my happy! · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've owned this book for 20 years before really opening it. Joy on joy Passages is one big, beautiful, colorful book. I think it excellently encapsulates Penn's entire life. Rumor has it The Metropolitan Museum of Art is mounting a retrospective this spring/summer so now I'm armed and ready. Bring it on.

[David Long · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lavishly produced. Landmark achievement in color and b&w photo reproduction. Career-spanning retrospective of the Vogue et al photo master Irving Penn.

[ツツ]

I like his take on still life particularly the memento mori. (I also suspect he’s not a good person.)

[H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oeuvre goals.

[Dutchbaby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gorgeous retrospective of the work of a gentle, genius photographer.