This exhibition features photographs by renowned American portraitist Arnold Newman (1918-2006). Newman is considered the “father of the environmental portrait” for photographing his subjects on location rather than in a nondescript studio. He found people to be the most interesting when in comfortable surroundings, so he set up his photo shoots using existing lighting and without props, relying only on whatever objects happened to be at each location.

Working as a freelance photographer for magazines including Fortune, LIFE, Newsweek, the New Yorker, and Esquire, Newman photographed leaders of world culture and society. As the commissions grew, he was able to broaden his focus to include the people and personalities that interested him most, from politicians and writers to actors and musicians.

Newman wanted his photographs to intrigue the viewer even if the subjects were unfamiliar. For example, his portraits of Eleanor Roosevelt and Jacob Lawrence–whose faces may not be immediately recognizable to viewers–demonstrate his use of composition to pique the viewer's interest and provide some reference for the subject. He depicted Roosevelt and Lawrence in surroundings that hint at their careers and societal relevance: Roosevelt's humanitarian endeavors and Lawrence's artistic career. On the other hand, photographs of Harry S. Truman and John F. Kennedy do not use visual elements to hint at their identities. Instead, Newman fills the frame with the presidents' recognizable faces, capturing the politicians in an intimate manner and offering the viewer an insight into their personalities.

In many ways, Newman's photographs have become historical records. They document each sitter at a given time in his or her life, and allow the viewer to glean what they will from the famous faces and their surroundings.

Arnold Newman: Famous Faces is open to the public Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., except federal holidays. Reservations are required at least five business days in advance. For reservations and further information, please call (202) 452-3778 or fax (202) 736-5680.