Ruth Bernhard

Ruth Bernhard: Master of Light and Form

Ruth Bernhard (1905-2006) was a German-born American photographer who left a lasting mark on 20th-century photography with her evocative black-and-white works.

Early Life and Artistic Influences:

Born in Berlin to a creative family – her father was the renowned graphic designer Lucian Bernhard – Ruth was surrounded by artistic influences from a young age. She studied art history and typography at the Berlin Academy of Art before immigrating to New York City in 1927.

Finding Her Path in Photography:

While an early stint as an assistant didn’t work out, Bernhard used the severance pay to buy her own camera. This marked the beginning of her dedicated exploration of photography. Inspired by photographers like Edward Weston, she honed her skills, experimenting with still lifes, landscapes, and nudes.

Bernhard’s Signature Style:

Bernhard’s work is known for its exquisite use of light and shadow, creating a sense of intimacy and sensuality in her subjects. She primarily worked in her studio, capturing a range of subjects – from the human form to everyday objects – with a close-up focus that revealed intricate details and textures. Her nudes, in particular, departed from conventional portrayals, offering a more nuanced and personal exploration of the body.

Beyond the Studio:

While best known for her studio work, Bernhard also collaborated with others on unique projects. Notably, she worked with the conchologist Jean Schwengel to photograph seashells, and her collaboration with Melvin Van Peebles resulted in a series capturing the world of San Francisco’s cable car gripmen.

Legacy:

A prolific artist and influential teacher, Ruth Bernhard’s career spanned over seven decades. Her work challenged conventional beauty standards and celebrated the beauty found in unexpected places. Today, she is recognized as a leading figure in 20th-century photography, admired for her masterful use of light and her ability to capture the essence of her subjects.