Leica Unveils Its 2023 Picture Of The Year, Shot By Elliott Erwitt
Winning shot, captured in New York City, USA, in 2000. Image © Elliott Erwitt / MAGNUM PHOTOS, courtesy of Leica Camera AG
Leica Camera AG has unveiled its Picture of the Year, a cherished tradition since 2021 that pays tribute to the enduring artistry of photography. This year, the distinguished honor goes to none other than New York’s Magnum photographer, Elliott Erwitt, marking the 13th recipient of the Leica Hall of Fame Award.
Erwitt’s chosen masterpiece, titled Bulldogs, has found its place in the camera maker’s hallowed Hall of Fame exhibition in Wetzlar, Germany. It’s a classic Erwitt composition, capturing a peculiar and amusing moment where the resemblance between dogs and their owners takes an unexpected twist. This iconic photograph was taken in the year 2000.
Remarkably, Erwitt, now at the spry age of 95, stumbled upon this delightful scene by chance during a casual stroll with a friend in his Manhattan neighborhood. He recalls the serendipitous encounter: “I saw this scene and asked him if I could borrow his camera. He kindly handed me his Leica, and I used up the whole film.”
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The photograph came to life as Erwitt reached the last frame on the roll. Everything fell into place perfectly, from the composition to the juxtaposition of heads. What makes this shot even more absurdly charming is the unexpected mimicry of another bulldog in the frame. Erwitt’s patience and keen eye once again paid off, as he managed to capture a quintessential moment in his unique style. As he puts it, “Many pictures lead to one good one.”
Elliott Erwitt’s journey into the world of photography began in a diverse set of locations, from Paris, where he was born in 1928, to Milan, and finally settling in New York City in 1946. It was here that he found his true calling.
Photo captured in New York City, USA, in 1946. Image © Elliott Erwitt / MAGNUM PHOTOS, courtesy of Leica Camera AG
In 1953, he became a member of the renowned Magnum Agency. Throughout his illustrious career, he effortlessly balanced journalistic assignments, commercial photography, and personal projects, which he regards as his most significant works. Many of his images are now hailed as timeless classics in the world of photography.
Photo captured in California, USA, in 1955. Image © Elliott Erwitt / MAGNUM PHOTOS, courtesy of Leica Camera AG
Photo of Marilyn Monroe, captured in New York City, USA, in 1956. Image © Elliott Erwitt / MAGNUM PHOTOS, courtesy of Leica Camera AG
Photo captured for the Eiffel Tower’s 100th anniversary in Paris, France, in 1989. Image © Elliott Erwitt / MAGNUM PHOTOS, courtesy of Leica Camera AG
His philosophy is simple but profound: “You can find pictures anywhere. It’s simply a matter of noticing things and organizing them. You just have to care about what’s around you and have a concern with humanity and the human comedy.” His ability to capture everyday moments with a touch of humor and humanity has made him a storyteller par excellence.
A portrait of Elliott Erwitt, captured in New York City, USA, in 1999. Image © Elliott Erwitt / MAGNUM PHOTOS, courtesy of Leica Camera AG
Erwitt’s signature touch often involves our furry friends, especially dogs. His photographs not only encapsulate the essence of these four-legged companions but also reveal the ambiguity of life itself. His images are a testament to his nearly eight decades of dedicated photography, and his unique blend of levity and precision ensures they remain etched in our memories.
For photography enthusiasts and collectors, the annual Leica Picture of the Year, featuring Erwitt’s Bulldogs, will be available exclusively at 27 Leica Galleries worldwide next month. This limited print, part of an edition of 80, can be acquired for €1,050 (US$1,108).
Bulldogs, along with approximately 50 of the photographer’s most prized works, is being prominently displayed as part of Leica’s Hall of Fame Award show in Wetzlar, Germany. This exhibition coincides with the celebration of this year’s winners of the 43rd edition of the prestigious Leica Oskar Barnack Award, chronicling the everlasting legacy of photography in the modern age.
Photo captured in New York City, USA, in 1955. Image © Elliott Erwitt / MAGNUM PHOTOS, courtesy of Leica Camera AG
Photo captured in New York City, USA, in 1974. Image © Elliott Erwitt / MAGNUM PHOTOS, courtesy of Leica Camera AG
Photo captured in New York State, USA, in 1975. Image © Elliott Erwitt / MAGNUM PHOTOS, courtesy of Leica Camera AG
[via Leica Camera AG, images courtesy and featured with permission]
This article was crafted with assistance from an AI engine, and has been manually reviewed & edited.
