An American Block, Hamilton, Ohio, 1943 Signed by Alfred Eisenstaedt

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An American Block, Hamilton, Ohio, 1943 by Alfred Eisenstaedt

Signed, 167/250

Silver Gelatin Print

Time Life

Alfred Eisenstaedt (1898–1995)
American … Read more An American Block, Hamilton, Ohio, 1943 by Alfred Eisenstaedt

Signed, 167/250

Silver Gelatin Print

Time Life

Alfred Eisenstaedt (1898–1995)
American Photographer

Alfred Eisenstaedt was one of the most influential figures in 20th-century photojournalism, celebrated for his ability to capture human emotion with clarity, warmth, and immediacy. Often emphasizing personal connection over technical mechanics, Eisenstaedt believed meaningful photographs came from understanding people rather than merely operating a camera.

Born in 1898 in Dirschau, West Prussia (now Poland), Eisenstaedt was introduced to photography at the age of thirteen when he received a folding Eastman Kodak camera from his uncle. Although he initially considered a career in music, photography soon became his lifelong pursuit. After serving in the German army during World War I and recovering from a serious injury, he immersed himself in studying art, drawing particular inspiration from classical painting, composition, and lighting.

By the late 1920s, Eisenstaedt had established himself as a successful freelance photographer. His early recognition came with an assignment documenting Thomas Mann receiving the Nobel Prize in 1929. During this period, he gained acclaim for portraits of prominent cultural and political figures, including Marlene Dietrich, George Bernard Shaw, Adolf Hitler, and Benito Mussolini. In 1932, he adopted the Leica 35mm camera, a tool that would define his spontaneous, unobtrusive approach and help transform modern photojournalism.

In 1935, Eisenstaedt emigrated to the United States, settling in New York. Shortly after his arrival, he was hired by LIFE magazine, becoming one of its first staff photographers. Over a career spanning nearly four decades with LIFE, he produced an extraordinary body of work documenting world leaders, artists, celebrities, and everyday life with both decisiveness and sensitivity. His photographs are known for their natural light, candid moments, and emotional resonance.

Among Eisenstaedt’s most iconic images is V-J Day in Times Square (1945), depicting a jubilant sailor embracing a woman in the heart of New York City as World War II came to an end. The photograph remains one of the most widely recognized images of the 20th century and a defining symbol of postwar celebration.

Eisenstaedt’s work has been exhibited internationally, and he received numerous awards and honors throughout his lifetime. He continued photographing well into his later years and remains regarded as one of the foremost photojournalists in history.

Born: 1898, Germany
Died: 1995, Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts
Nationality: American
Role: Photographer / Artist See less