Diane Arbus: A Jewish giant at home with his parents in the Bronx, N.Y. 1970
January 7, 2020
We begin this new decade with a photograph made half a century ago, an indelible image of an American family taken by Diane Arbus, an artist whose stature and influence have grown internationally over time.
When Arbus visited Eddie Carmel to photograph him with his parents, the picture above was the initial exposure made. She followed by taking 11 additional frames of film with Eddie standing between his mother and father, presumably at Arbus's request. As is so frequently the case, the first impulse is often the best.
Contributing to the power of the image was Arbus's use of a square format camera with a wide angle lens, which exaggerated the height of the ceiling, combined with a flash that gave each figure greater depth, and perhaps stoicism.
We are pleased to offer this rare vintage print by Diane Arbus.
The print has been with its original owners since first acquired in 1980.
