Jacques Henri Lartigue, photographer

Published in 1998 by Little, Brown and Company, this monograph serves as a comprehensive retrospective of the life and work of Jacques Henri Lartigue. Lartigue, who began photographing as a child in the early 20th century, captured the fleeting elegance of French belle époque society, sporting events, and intimate family moments with an intuitive, modernist eye. His work remained largely unknown to the broader public until his rediscovery in the 1960s, which solidified his reputation as a pioneer of snapshot aesthetics.

This edition was curated to provide a formal study of Lartigue's expansive archives, which he meticulously maintained throughout his life. The design and editorial focus aim to frame his spontaneous, high-energy compositions within the context of art history, illustrating his transition from an amateur chronicler of high society to a celebrated professional photographer. The book is widely regarded for its high-quality reproductions that honor the lyrical, light-drenched quality of his original glass plates and film negatives.