Marilyn Monroe 1959
In the 1950s photographer Philippe Halsman ended his portrait sessions by asking his subjects to jump. His pictures are compiled in the wonderful Philippe Halsman’s Jump Book.
“There is a sublime silliness to Halsman’s images that can make you laugh regardless of how open you see them. They offer incontrovertible proof of Schiller’s claim that ‘all art is dedicated to joy.’ Evidently the simple act of getting off the ground requires giving in to something like joy. You have to let go” – Roberta Smith, NY Times
Jacques Tati
William Holden, 1954
Grace Kelly
Liberace
Anthony Perkins
Audrey Hepburn
1955. Grace Kelly.
1951. Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis.
Halsman’s studio. US actress Marilyn Monroe. 1959.
Duke and Dutchess of Windsor Jumping,1956
Dalí Atomicus
1948
Philippe Halsman
USA. 1959. American actress Marilyn MONROE jumping with Philippe HALSMAN.
Self-portrait. 1950. Philippe Halsman
Images by Magnum photos and Philippe Halsman, and from the show Surprise Me!. at Jeu de Paume, Paris. The beautiful book, published by Damiani, can be purchased here.
Phillipe Halsman’s Jump book cover
And now for one famous face who refused to jump. The Lady was not for jumping.
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