Elliott Erwitt, iconic Magnum photographer, dies at 95
Elliott Erwitt, celebrated for his clever black-and-white photography, passed away peacefully in his sleep at the age of 95 at his residence in New York, according to the New York Times. Born Elio Romano Erwitz in Paris in 1928 to parents of Russian Jewish descent, he moved to the United States in 1938. Erwitt pursued photography at Los Angeles City College and studied film at the New School for Social Research. He became a member of Magnum Photos in 1953 and took on the role of president in 1968. His famous 1961 image featuring Marilyn Monroe was taken during the filming of "The Misfits." He wrote several books, including "Eastern Europe" (1965) and "Elliott Erwitt’s New York" (2008).
Key facts
- Elliott Erwitt died at 95 in his sleep at his New York home
- He was a Magnum Photos member since 1953 and served as president for three terms starting 1968
- Born in Paris in 1928 to Russian Jewish parents, fled Italy in 1938 due to fascist racial laws
- Studied at Los Angeles City College and New School for Social Research
- Worked as assistant to Roy Stryker at Standard Oil Company
- Influenced by Robert Capa and Edward Steichen
- Photographed the cast of The Misfits in 1961
- Directed documentaries and films including ee (1970), Beauty Knows No Pain (1971), Red, White and Bluegrass (1973)
Entities
Artists
- Elliott Erwitt
- Roy Stryker
- Robert Capa
- Edward Steichen
- Marilyn Monroe
- Clark Gable
- Montgomery Clift
- Eli Wallach
- John Huston
- Arthur Miller
- Frank Taylor
Institutions
- Magnum Photos
- Standard Oil Company
- Los Angeles City College
- New School for Social Research
- Collier's
- Look
- Life
- Holiday
- Air France
- KLM
- New York Times
- Artribune
Locations
- New York
- Paris
- Italy
- United States
- Pittsburgh