An exhibition at the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C., celebrates George Hurrell’s defining portrait photography of Hollywood’s golden era, showcasing the legendary glamor of the 1930s and early 1940s.
“Star Power: Photographs from Hollywood’s Golden Age by George Hurrell” features 20 exquisite portraits capturing some of the most illustrious film stars of the time. His masterful images remain enduring icons of Hollywood glamor.
The exhibition, running through January 10, 2027, presents a selection from the gallery’s collection of 70 photographs, underscoring his influence on the visual culture of cinema’s classic era. His work set the standard for star portraiture, creating an idealized representation of film personalities that resonated worldwide.
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Hollywood Photography and George Hurrell’s Legacy
He, the leading portrait photographer of the 1930s and 1940s, crafted images that were distributed to theaters, magazines, and the public, amplifying the mystique of Hollywood stars. His portraits featured film icons such as Joan Crawford, Marlene Dietrich, Clark Gable, Greta Garbo, Jean Harlow, Dorothy Lamour, and Barbara Stanwyck.
Born in Covington, Kentucky, in 1904, he initially pursued painting at the Art Institute of Chicago before dedicating himself to photography. He began his Hollywood career at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM), quickly becoming the studio’s chief portrait photographer due to his talent for artistic poses and lighting.
A Shift from Studio to Candid
He left MGM in 1933 to open a studio on Sunset Boulevard where he produced iconic portraits of MGM stars and actors from other studios. This era marked the zenith of Hollywood glamor captured through large-format cameras and meticulously crafted poses.
His studio work ended with World War II; post-war, portable cameras and candid photography overtook the formal studio style, marking a new trend in Hollywood portraiture. Hurrell reflected, “When we stopped using those 8 x 10 cameras, the glamor was gone.”
After returning to Hollywood in the mid-1950s, the photographer adapted to the changes in the industry, working as a still photographer on film sets. His work saw a resurgence in the 1980s as glamor photography regained popularity, attracting new admirers, including a young Sharon Stone.
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George Hurrell passed away in Los Angeles in 1992, leaving behind a legacy cherished in institutions such as the J. Paul Getty Museum and the Museum of Modern Art. His work endures as a cornerstone of Hollywood’s visual history, celebrated anew through this portrait exhibition at the Smithsonian.
Source: petapixel.com
Frequently asked questions
What is the exhibition at the Smithsonian about?
The exhibition at the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C., celebrates George Hurrell’s defining portrait photography of Hollywood’s golden era, showcasing the legendary glamor of the 1930s and early 1940s.
Who are some film icons photographed by George Hurrell?
George Hurrell’s portraits featured film icons such as Joan Crawford, Marlene Dietrich, Clark Gable, Greta Garbo, Jean Harlow, Dorothy Lamour, and Barbara Stanwyck.
When did George Hurrell’s photography style change?
George Hurrell’s studio work ended with World War II; post-war, portable cameras and candid photography overtook the formal studio style, marking a new trend in Hollywood portraiture.