Florence Henri
1893–1982 · United States / Switzerland / France
Mirrors and framing that unsettle familiar space.
The story
After training in music and painting, Florence Henri took up photography at the Bauhaus and then in Paris. She used mirrors, prisms and reflective objects to reconstruct portraits and still lifes. The photographed space becomes difficult to grasp at a glance: reflection is no longer a simple accessory but an element of composition. Her work also developed in professional portraiture and advertising.
Understanding the work
Distinguish what is directly in front of the camera from what is reflected. The mirror’s lines and the frame’s edges organise several spaces within a single image.
Key works and series
Self-portraits with mirrors; compositions; portraits; advertising still lifes.
Sources & further exploration
Works in collections.
10 recordsPhotographs to explore on museum and library websites, with titles, dates and processes. Each link opens the collection record and its image where one is available.
