Lisette Model
1901–1983 · Austria / United States
Presence without embellishment.
The story
Model developed her photography in Europe before settling in New York. Her views of the Promenade des Anglais, urban scenes and performers emphasise a strong physical presence. She worked for magazines and became an influential teacher. Her close, sometimes abrupt framing does not seek conventional beauty. It reveals attitudes and social relationships while raising questions about the distance between photographer and subject.
Understanding the work
Compare the shooting distance and the edges of the frame. What seems excessive or uncomfortable also tells us about the aesthetic expectations we bring to a portrait.
Key works and series
Promenade des Anglais; Coney Island; portraits of performers.
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.
