André Kertész
American, born Hungary, 1894 - 1985Chez Mondrian, Paris, 1926, printed later
Not on view
Gelatin silver print
Dimensions9 11/16 x 7 1/4 in.
Gift of Dr. Seymour and Barbara K. Adelson, 2014.9
While photographing the house and studio of modern painter Piet Mondrian (1872–1944), André Kertész instinctively tried to capture the spirit of the artist’s style. Known for his use of primary colors and geometric shapes, Mondrian favored symmetry and simplicity in his painting as well as his life. The composition of this photograph is nearly split down the center, exposing two rooms in the artist’s home. The strong angular lines and the stark contrast between light and dark reinforce the simplicity of the interior.
Gelatin silver printing was the dominant photographic process from its introduction in the 1880s until the 1960s when color photography gained popularity. The images are created with a type of film that can be reprinted numerous times.
