These are the beautiful portraits of photographer James Abbe. Although he was born in a small town in Maine, he quickly became a citizen of the world when he began photographing the political power struggles happening around Europe at the turn of the 20th century. In between cataloging historical events including the Spanish Civil War and the Nazi rise to power, he would return to the States to make a name for himself as a glamour photographer, shooting some of the biggest the Broadway and movie stars of the time.
One of the things that made him most unusual and, eventually, so in demand, was his preference to photograph his subject backstage rather than in a studio. He then sold his photos to Vogue, Vanity Fair, and other iconic fashion magazines, increasing the exposure of his subjects.
His photos really feel like an insider’s view behind the scenes with some of the most fascinating people of the era.
You can see more of this wonderful photography on the James Abbe Archive website, and on Instagram and Facebook.
March 28, 2016 at 10:13 am
Terrific images. I love the high key nature of photos from this era. It must have been a weird feeling for Abbe to be switching between documenting conflicts and then portraying the famous and glamorous.
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March 28, 2016 at 11:26 am
I thought the same. To be able to switch gears like that must have been surreal. He must have been a really interesting guy.
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March 28, 2016 at 12:48 pm
Love these photos. This are the photos that inspired me to fall in love with black and white images.
Thanks for sharing.
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March 28, 2016 at 3:54 pm
I’m so glad you love them! They were (and are) my inspiration, too. I have had black & white photos of thirties and forties movie stars all over my house since I was a teen.
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March 28, 2016 at 4:39 pm
I love these photos of glamour and glitz. Wasn’t Valentino’s wife beautiful?
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March 28, 2016 at 9:55 pm
She truly was. That’s not a position I envy. Like marrying Clooney. Too much attention.
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March 28, 2016 at 5:15 pm
stunning collection, thank you for sharing.
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March 28, 2016 at 9:55 pm
I’m so glad you liked them!
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