Atget

by John Szarkowski (Editor), Eugène Atget (Photographer)

This volume presents the essence of the work of the French photographer, Eugene Atget, in one hundred carefully selected photographs. John Szarkowski, an acknowledged master of the art of looking at photographs, explores in this book the unique sensibilities that made Atget one of the greatest artists of the twentieth century and an influence on the development of modern and contemporary photography. Szarkowski's introductory text and commentaries form an extended essay on the remarkable visual intelligence displayed in these subtle, sometimes enigmatic pictures.

Genres: Photography, Art, Nonfiction, Urbanism, France

224 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2000

About the author

John Szarkowski was an American photographer and curator best known for his role as the director of the Museum of Modern Art’s Photography Department from 1962 through 1991. “Photography is the easiest thing in the world if one is willing to accept pictures that are flaccid, limp, bland, banal, indiscriminately informative, and pointless,” he once explained. “But if one insists in a photograph that is both complex and vigorous it is almost impossible.”

Born Thaddeus John Szarkowski on December 18, 1925 in Ashland, WI, he went on receive a degree in art history from the University of Wisconsin, Madison in 1948. After working as a museum photographer at the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis, he moved to Buffalo to teach photography. The artist then relocated to Chicago, where he worked on his photobook The Idea of Louis Sullivan (1956). After his appointment at MoMA in 1962, Szkarowski would help launch the careers of Diane Arbus, Lee Friedlander, and William Eggleston, among several others during his tenure. He also published acclaimed books on the history of photography, including The Photographer’s Eye (1966) and Looking at Photographs: 100 Pictures from the Collection of The Museum of Modern Art (1973).

After retiring from the museum in 1991, Szarkowski resumed his own career in photography. He died on July 7, 2007 in Pittsfield, MA. Today, the artist’s works are held in the collections of the Art Institute of Chicago, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, and the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, among others.

Reviews

[Jim · Rating 4 out of 5]

As always, Szarkowski's writing keeps you engaged and interested in the photographs and their history. Lovely reproductions and a good intro to Atget's works.

[Courtland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oneiric and documenting photography, a blurred, by this profusion of realism and art. Liminality-torn between worlds- in these hauntological: doors, alleys, gardens, ruins, trees, architecture, et cetera. Look upon, behold the aspect and have the facts be forgotten as you remember.

[Carlos Filipe Bernardino · Rating 4 out of 5]

Important to read and see the photos of Master Atget. His way to produce photos, help us to train our eye, and challenges us to improve our photography work.

[Rob GQ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.00

[Dan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Atget is an interesting historical figure and this book goes in-depth into many of his photos. In fact, every photo in the book is accompanied by an essay by Szarkowski. I read several of them but not all. I'll keep investigating Atget.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so in love with Atget. Although Mr. Szarkowski's tidbits were delightful to read, Atget's photographs truly need no words.