George Platt Lynes

George Platt Lynes: A Master of 20th Century Photography

George Platt Lynes (1907-1955) was an American photographer who left his mark on the world of fashion and portraiture during the 1930s and 40s.

Early Life and Artistic Influences

Born in New Jersey, Lynes’ life took a pivotal turn when he traveled to Paris in his youth. There, he encountered a circle of influential artists and writers, including Gertrude Stein and Man Ray. This exposure likely sparked his own artistic inclinations, leading him to explore photography.

Career and Recognition

Lynes found success in the commercial world, capturing stylish images for major fashion magazines like Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar. But his artistic heart resided in his personal work, particularly his photographs of nude men. These captivating portraits showcased his innovative use of lighting, posing, and composition, creating a visual language that explored both physicality and emotional depth.

A Legacy of Influence

Despite his commercial success, Lynes grappled with anxieties about his work. Tragically, he destroyed many negatives and prints before his passing. Thankfully, a significant portion of his photographs survived, and his influence continues to inspire contemporary photographers like Robert Mapplethorpe and Herb Ritts.

Beyond Fashion: Documenting a Community

Lynes’s photography also served as a valuable document of the artistic and literary circles he frequented. Many of his subjects were gay artists and writers of the 1940s, creating a visual record of a community that was often marginalized at the time.

A Complex and Enduring Legacy

George Platt Lynes’s legacy is multifaceted. He was a commercially successful fashion photographer, a groundbreaking artist who explored the human form, and a chronicler of his vibrant artistic community. Despite the challenges he faced, his captivating photographs continue to be admired for their technical mastery and enduring beauty.