Page 91 - Swann Galleries - Fine Photographs - Sale 2304 - February 26, 2013

78 ● SMITH,W. EUGENE (1918-1978)
Albert Schweitzer. Silver print, 101/4 x13 inches (26x33 cm.), with Smith’s New York hand stamp
on mount verso. 1949; printed early to mid-1950s [9,000/12,000]
W. Eugene Smith’s portrait of the noted theologian, philosopher, and medical missionary Dr.Albert Schweitzer
depicts him under the great weight of thought. His hair, thick and gray, is the abstract highlight of this intimate
study. Schweitzer was known his medical work in
West Africa, heralded for his selfless devotion and
ridiculed for what some saw as his patronizing
presence. Smith was associated with absolute devotion
to his craft and emerging as America’s premier
photojournalist.Although the portrait is ostensibly of
Schweitzer, two great figures have come together to
create an iconic image.
From the Collection of the Overseas Press Club.
This image originally appeared in LIFE Magazine
on July 25, 1949.
Master of the Photographic Essay:W.Eugene Smith, 55.