SEYMOUR (David), known as “Chim.” - Lot 268

SEYMOUR (David), known as “Chim.” SEYMOUR (David), known as “Chim.” 1911–1956. New York: Grossman Publishers / ICP Library of Photographers, 1974. Quarto, paperback, illustrated cover. The first monograph published in the ICP Library of Photographers series, edited by Cornell Capa, dedicated to one of the founding members of the Magnum agency. This volume pays tribute to David Seymour, known as “Chim” (1911–1956), a leading figure in 20th-century humanistic photojournalism, who died in Egypt while covering the Suez Crisis. The book traces his entire career, from his photoessays in 1930s Europe to the upheavals of the postwar period. It features his famous photographs of the Spanish Civil War, refugees, children affected by conflict, and the reconstruction of Europe, as well as his portraits of intellectuals, artists, and political figures. Among the images reproduced are portraits of Irène and Frédéric Joliot-Curie, Romain Rolland, Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, numerous photographs of postwar children taken for UNESCO, as well as several photoessays that have become iconic examples of humanistic documentary photography. Published in collaboration with the International Center of Photography, this volume includes a particularly representative selection of Chim’s work, accompanied by biographical notes and critical essays. This copy is enhanced by a handwritten inscription: “For Luc, Christmas 1988, Andrée—various subjects… various eras…” (unidentified). A fine copy.