Yousuf Karsh Redefined

For generations, Yousuf Karsh defined the photographic portrait, creating unforgettable images of statesmen, writers, actors, artists, musicians, and scientists. His 1941 portrait of Winston Churchill, on view on our galleries, launched his international career and established him as one of the world’s most celebrated portrait photographers.

But Karsh’s work extends far beyond his iconic portraits. In the latest installment of “Treasures from Our Collection,” we explore the lesser-known sides of Karsh’s career from his early photographic experiments and personal images to gifts presented to Yousuf and his beloved wife Estrellita. These new acquisitions, some of which were donated to our collection by the Estate of Estrellita Karsh, reveal a more intimate side of the artist and his extraordinary ability to capture the humanity of every person he photographed.

“Treasures from Our Collection, Where Every Object Tells a Story” is a video series sponsored by a generous donation from Michele M. Kolligian, President of the AMoA’s Board of Trustees.