Cecil Beaton, Portrait of Charles Henry Ford, 1937, Photograph

Details

Description

Portrait: Charles Henri Ford by Cecil Beaton (ca. 1937) - Vintage In this striking black-and-white portrait, Charles Henri Ford stands … Read more Portrait: Charles Henri Ford by Cecil Beaton (ca. 1937) - Vintage In this striking black-and-white portrait, Charles Henri Ford stands poised against a backdrop of blooming elderflowers. His intense gaze and crossed arms reflect a quiet defiance and inner complexity that echo his avant-garde life. Photographed by the legendary Cecil Beaton in the mid-1930s, this image captures Ford at the height of his youthful brilliance—already a published poet, editor of the surrealist magazine View, and a central figure in New York’s bohemian and queer art circles. The lush organic setting contrasts with Ford’s buttoned-up, sharply collared coat, adding an air of surreal tension—a visual hallmark of Beaton’s highly composed portraiture. about Cecil Beaton (1904–1980) Sir Cecil Beaton was one of the 20th century’s most influential photographers, illustrators, and costume designers. Born in London, he became court photographer to the British Royal Family and worked prolifically for Vogue and Vanity Fair, developing a reputation for elegant, often dreamlike portraits of celebrities, artists, and socialites. He was also an Oscar-winning costume and set designer (Gigi, My Fair Lady) and an accomplished diarist. Beaton’s signature style combined theatrical flair with psychological insight, often staging his subjects in intricate, poetic settings. His photographs are treasured for their timeless glamour and remain highly collectible in the fine art and fashion photography markets. This piece is attributed to the mentioned designer/maker. It has no attribution mark and no
official proof of authenticity,
however it is well documented in design history. I take full responsibility for any authenticity



issues arising from misattribution See less