Yousuf Karsh (1908-2002) is one of the masters of 20th century photography. His body of work includes portraits of statesmen, artists, musicians, authors, scientists, and men and women of accomplishment. His extraordinary and unique portfolio presents the viewer with an intimate and compassionate view of humanity.
Read his biography in his own words
Self-portrait with negative
Romeo and Juliet, 1933
The Young Lord Duncannon, son of Lord Bessborough, the Governor General, was an enthusiastic fellow-member of the Ottawa Little Theatre. He encouraged Karsh to portray his parents, opening yet another door of opportunity to a young photographer.
Madge MacBeth, 1936
It was a good fortune for Karsh to meet this intelligent, spirited woman early in his Ottawa career. She remained his friend for many decades.
Elixir, 1938
In the 1930s, Karsh enjoyed experimenting with optics and Surrealism.
Karsh spent much of the 1940s building on the success of his Winston Churchill portrait. In 1952, he accepted a lengthy assignment for Maclean’s magazine to document Canada’s postwar economic development. In the seventeen months it took to complete the undertaking, he made a total of 8,334 negatives.
Calgary Stampede, 1953
Porter at Union Station, 1953
Vancouver at Night, 1952
Stanley Park, 1952
