LERSKI (Helmar). - Lot 189

LERSKI (Helmar). Helmar Lerski, Lichtbildner. Photographs and Films 1910–1947. Essen, Museum Folkwang, 1982 (traveled until 1984: Tel Aviv, Munich, Frankfurt, San Francisco). Large quarto, paperback. An important catalog of the major retrospective exhibition dedicated to Helmar Lerski (1871–1956), organized by the Museum Folkwang. The volume traces his entire career, from his early work in the United States through his German and cinematic works to his later work in Palestine. Lerski occupies a major place in the history of 20th-century photography. A former cinematographer, he revolutionized portraiture through his spectacular use of natural and reflected light, sculpting faces with the aid of dozens of mirrors. His famous series *Köpfe des Alltags* (Heads of Everyday Life) and *Verwandlungen durch Licht* (Metamorphoses through Light) are among the most influential experiments in modern photography. The catalog reproduces numerous iconic works: expressionist portraits, studies of light, photographs taken in Palestine, as well as documents related to his film work. Condition: a very fine copy.