Artist
Saul Leiter (American, 1923–2013)American, 1923–2013
CultureAmerican
Titles
- Through Boards
Date1957, printed later
MediumChromogenic print
DimensionsImage: 13 1/2 × 8 7/8 in. (34.3 × 22.5 cm)
Sheet: 14 × 11 in. (35.6 × 27.9 cm)
Sheet: 14 × 11 in. (35.6 × 27.9 cm)
Credit LineGift of Howard Greenberg and Saul Leiter Foundation in honor of Anne Wilkes Tucker on the occasion of her retirement
Object number2015.365
Non exposé
Explore Further
Department
PhotographyObject Type
Whereas most photographers in the 1950s depicted New York City in shades of black and gray, Saul Leiter rendered it in expressive color. Using temperamental expired film, which renders some colors better than others and casts more of the scene in shadow, Leiter captured the impression of a place. Figures, snow, fog, concrete, and lamplight appear like bold swaths of color. Notably, Leiter shot the majority of his work in the two blocks around his East Village home as a way to pay attention to his surroundings. "Seeing is a neglected enterprise," Leiter once said.
ProvenanceGiven to MFAH, 2015.
Inscriptions, Signatures and Marks
Signed in ink on print verso? (dry-mounted - not visible)
Cataloguing data may change with further research.
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1860s–1870s
Collage of ink drawing and albumen silver prints from glass negatives
2017.358.A,.B
Keystone View Company
c. 1914
Gelatin silver stereograph
2004.1220.211