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Classic Beauties Captured by David ‘Chim’ Seymour in the 1950s

David ‘Chim’ Seymour, a renowned photographer and co-founder of Magnum Photos, is celebrated for his striking portraits of classic beauties in the 1950s. His work captures the elegance and grace of that era, highlighting both famous faces and everyday people with an artistic eye.

Capturing the Essence of Beauty

Chim had a unique ability to capture the essence of his subjects. His portraits were not just about physical beauty; they also conveyed depth, emotion, and personality. This skill set him apart from many photographers of his time. His use of light and shadow added a timeless quality to his images, making them stand out even decades later.

One of Chim’s most famous portraits is of actress Ingrid Bergman. Taken in the early 1950s, this image captures Bergman’s natural elegance and charm. She is shown in a relaxed pose, her face lit softly, revealing her gentle features. This portrait became iconic, symbolizing the allure of classic Hollywood.

Another notable subject was Sophia Loren, whose vibrant personality shone through Chim’s lens. His photographs of Loren in the 1950s captured her youthful energy and undeniable charisma. These images helped solidify her status as an international star.

He also found beauty in everyday people. His series of portraits from post-war Europe show women in their daily lives, often in modest settings. These images are powerful in their simplicity, showing that beauty can be found in the most ordinary moments.

For example, one of his portraits from Italy features a young woman in traditional dress, her face illuminated by natural light. The photo captures her serene expression and the intricate details of her clothing, highlighting the cultural richness of the time.

The Artistic Approach

Chim’s artistic approach to photography involved careful composition and an empathetic connection with his subjects. He often spent time getting to know the people he photographed, which allowed him to capture their true essence. This personal connection is evident in the intimacy of his portraits.

#1 Wealthy socialite and patron of the arts, Peggy Guggenheim at her palace on the Grand Canal in Venice, photo by David Seymour, 1950

#2 Ingrid Bergman with her newborn twins, Isabella and Isotta, Italy, photo by David Seymour, 1952

#3 Ingrid Bergman, photo by David Seymour, Italy, 1952

#4 Ingrid Bergman, photo by David Seymour, Italy, 1953

#5 Ingrid Bergman, photo by David Seymour, Italy, 1953

#6 Joan Collins in Italy to film “Land of the Pharaohs”, photo by David Seymour, Italy, 1954

#7 Italian actress Gina Lollobrigida, photo by David Seymour, Venice, Italy, 1954

#8 Audrey Hepburn, photo by David Seymour, Paris, 1955

#9 Sophia Loren on the set of “The Miller’s Beautiful Wife”, photo by David Seymour, Rome, Italy, 1955

#10 Sophia Loren, photo by David Seymour, Naples, 1955

#11 Sophia Loren, photo by David Seymour, Naples, 1955

#12 Sophia Loren, photo by David Seymour, Naples, 1955

#13 Audrey having coffee during wardrobe fitting with Givenchy for the film “Funny Face”, photo by David Seymour, 1956

#14 Audrey Hepburn during ballet rehearsal for the film “Funny Face”, photo by David Seymour, Paris, 1956

#15 Audrey Hepburn during ballet training for the film “Funny Face”, photo by David Seymour, Paris, 1956

#16 Audrey Hepburn during singing practice for the film “Funny Face”, photo by David Seymour, 1956

#17 Audrey Hepburn holding balloons on the set of Funny Face, photo by David Seymour, Paris, 1956

#18 Audrey Hepburn in a fashion shoot within the film “Funny Face” where she plays a reluctant fashion model, photo by David Seymour, Paris, 1956

#19 Audrey Hepburn in wedding dress by Givenchy for the film “Funny Face”, photo by David Seymour, 1956

#20 Audrey Hepburn photographed by David Seymour (with Hubert de Givenchy and Georgina, his seamstress) at Maison Givenchy during fittings for the film ‘Funny Face” 1956

#21 Audrey Hepburn photographed by David Seymour (with Hubert de Givenchy and Georgina, his seamstress) at Maison Givenchy during fittings for the film ‘Funny Face” 1956

#22 Audrey Hepburn with dance instructor Lucien Legrand during the filming of “Funny Face”, photo by David Seymour, Paris, 1956

#23 Ava Gardner during shooting of the film “Little Hut”, directed by Mark Robson, photo by David Seymour, Rome, Italy, 1956

#24 Ava Gardner during shooting of the film “Little Hut”, directed by Mark Robson, photo by David Seymour, Rome, Italy, 1956

#26 Hubert de Givenchy photographed by David Seymour with his muse Audrey Hepburn and Georgina (his seamstress), during the tests of the wedding dress created for “Funny Face” (1957), Paris (France), spring of 1956

#27 Kim Novak at Cannes Film Festival, photo by David Seymour, Cannes, France, 1956

#28 Maria Callas at the piano rehearsing, David Seymour, Rome, 1956

Written by Emily Madison

Emily Madison, a vintage enthusiast with a passion for all things old Hollywood and retro. When she's not busy fawning over her collection of vintage record players, you can find her cuddling with her beloved feline companions. With a love for classic films and a penchant for collecting vintage treasures, Emily is always on the lookout for the next big find.

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