From September 26, 2002 to January 5, 2003, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York staged what would be the photographer’s last exhibition before his death. By this time, Avedon was known almost exclusively for his portraits rather than his more playful (and lucrative) fashion photography. Indeed, his greatest achievement may have been his reinvention of the portraiture genre. This volume features approximately 180 works from his earliest portraits in the late 1940s to his work in his final years. Twentieth-century artistic, intellectual, and political figures such as Marilyn Monroe (who was all three), Truman Capote, Charlie Chaplin, Dwight D. Eisenhower, the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, Marian Anderson, Willem de Kooning, and many others. We also see the portraits of the ordinary folk who were so mesmerising in his The American West series. Included are the iconic images of Andy Warhol and members of the Factory, and the coterie of artists, filmmakers, and performers who comprised the avant-garde bohemia of the day.

Slipcased, the book opens into an accordion of images, with essays on the reverse from Philippe de Montebello, Maria Morris Hambourg and Mia Fineman, and Avedon. Excellent condition with some bumps to slipcase.