George Hurrell

GEORGE HURRELL (Cincinnati, Ohio, 1901- Los Angeles, 1992).
"Distraught (Joan Crawford)," 1932 photograph.
Print. 2006 Lumas edition. Open edition.
Measurements: 20 x 15.7 cm.

Hurrell was one of the most important photographers in classic Hollywood in the 1930s and worked extensively for MGM studios, where Crawford was one of the biggest stars. His portraits helped cement the iconic image of many actresses, including Joan Crawford.

In fact, Hurrell's photographs were key in building the Hollywood "star system," and his portraits of Crawford emphasized her intensity, elegance, and magnetic presence in front of the camera.

George Hurrell was a fundamental American photographer in the construction of the glamorous image of classic Hollywood, especially during the 1930s and 1940s, when he worked for major studios such as MGM portraying stars like Joan Crawford, Greta Garbo, Clark Gable and Jean Harlow.