MISSelbeck (Reinhold), ed. — 20th-Century Photography. Museu - Lot 181

MISSelbeck (Reinhold), ed. — 20th-Century Photography. Museum Ludwig, Cologne Cologne, Benedikt Taschen Verlag, 1996. Large 8vo, paperback, illustrated photographic cover, 760 pp., very lavishly illustrated in black-and-white and color. French edition, translated by Catherine Henry. ISBN 3-8228-8754-4 [978-3-8228-8754-7]. These characteristics match the first French edition from 1996 shown in your photographs. A comprehensive overview of 20th-century international photography drawn from the collections of the Museum Ludwig in Cologne. The book brings together approximately 860 works by some 300 photographers, arranged alphabetically, and is more of a true illustrated dictionary of modern photography than a simple museum catalog. The Ludwig Collection is particularly significant in the institutional history of photography, as the Cologne museum was one of the first major museums of contemporary art to devote substantial space to international photography. The volume spans a century of creative work, from major historical figures to contemporary explorations: Ansel Adams, Eugène Atget, Brassaï, Robert Capa, Henri Cartier-Bresson, Man Ray, Florence Henri, André Kertész, László Moholy-Nagy, Irving Penn, August Sander, Edward Weston, Piet Zwart, etc. It encompasses the Nouvelle Vision and Constructivism as well as photojournalism, portraiture, documentary photography, abstraction, and conceptual work. Your photograph of the double-page spread dedicated to Florence Henri clearly illustrates the book’s approach: a substantial biographical and critical essay accompanied by carefully documented reproductions. Copy in good overall condition. Some scuffing and minor signs of wear on the cover; corners slightly worn; interior fresh and clean.