Elliott Erwitt, originally named Elio Romano Erwitz, graced the world on July 26, 1928, in Paris, born to Jewish-Russian parents. His childhood unfolded in the charming streets of Milan, Italy, until his family, seeking new horizons, migrated to the United States in 1939 when Elliott was merely ten years old.
Venturing into the realm of photography, Erwitt’s lens became a silent narrator of human stories, capturing the subtleties and absurdities of everyday life. In 1953, he found a creative home at Magnum Photos, where his freelance endeavors blossomed into a distinguished career. Notably, he assumed the role of Magnum’s president for three impactful years during the late 1960s.
Elliott Erwitt, a maestro of black and white candid photography, etched his name into history with a remarkable ability to freeze moments of irony and absurdity within the mundane. His lens painted a vivid canvas of human experiences, and he became widely acclaimed for his distinctive style.
Throughout his illustrious 70-plus-year career, Erwitt achieved unparalleled recognition, particularly for his candid shots of U.S. presidents, documenting their lives and presidencies with an intimacy that set his work apart. His legacy lives on not just in his iconic photographs but in the hearts of those who were touched by the magic of his art.
Regrettably, on November 29, 2023, at the age of 95, Elliott Erwitt bid farewell to this world. His family, sharing the news on his official Instagram, confirmed that he passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by the love of his family. As we reflect on the extraordinary life he led, we celebrate the timeless impact of his photographs, each frame telling a story of humanity through the discerning eyes of a master storyteller.