Lisette Model (1901 - 1983)

Lisette Model

Lisette Model was an Austrian-born photographer who became known for her work in the United States in the mid-20th century. She was began her artistic career as a pianist before turning to photography.

Model's photographic style was characterized by her use of high-contrast black and white images and her interest in capturing the grit and energy of urban life. She often photographed people on the margins of society, such as street vendors, beggars, and nightclub performers, and her images were marked by a sense of empathy and intimacy with her subjects.

In addition to her work as a photographer, Model was also a teacher, and she taught photography at the New School for Social Research in New York City for many years. Her students included Diane Arbus and Bruce Weber, among others, and she was known for her direct and often challenging approach to teaching.

Model's work has had a significant impact on the field of photography, and her legacy continues to inspire new generations of artists. Her photographs are prized for their emotional intensity and their ability to capture the complexities of human experience, and she is remembered as one of the most important photographers of the 20th century.