Arthur Rubinstein by Yousuf Karsh

The photographs of Yousuf Karsh are amongst the most recognized of mid 20th Century portraiture. For decades, his studio was regarded as one of the best in the world, and as a result he was often commissioned to create iconic portraits to commemorate famous individuals. 

ABOUT: karsh.org

It isn’t possible to overestimate the cultural impact of Classical pianist Arthur Rubinstein (1887-1982) during most of the 20th century. As the foremost interpreter of Chopin’s major piano works, Rubinstein was renowned for his elegant virtuosity during a professional career that spanned 80 years. As an artist of such important stature, Rubinstein posed for Karsh’s camera numerous times. 

The rarity of this particular print is enhanced by the inscription in Rubinstein’s own hand, written under the portrait of himself: 

To my charming friend, Mélisande ‘como buen recuerdo’ 
Affectionately, Arthur Rubinstein
New York, April 10th 67

Yousuf Karsh’s Portraits Evoke a Subject’s Inner Beauty - The New York Times, December 2018