NEW YORK, NY.- The Metropolitan Museum of Art presents a major retrospective of the photographs of Irving Penn to mark the centennial of the artist's birth. Over the course of his nearly 70-year career, Irving Penn (1917–2009) mastered a pared-down aesthetic of studio photography that is distinguished for its meticulous attention to composition, nuance, detail, and printmaking. Irving Penn: Centennial, is the most comprehensive exhibition of the great American photographer's work to date and includes both masterpieces and hitherto unknown prints from all his major series. 

Long celebrated for more than six decades of influential work at Vogue magazine, Penn was first and foremost a fashion photographer. His early photographs of couture are masterpieces that established a new standard for photographic renderings of style at mid-century, and he continued to record the cycles of fashions year after year in exquisite images characterized by striking shapes and formal brilliance. His rigorous modern compositions, minimal backgrounds, and diffused lighting were innovative and immensely influential. Yet Penn's photographs of fashion are merely the most salient of his specialties. He was a peerless portraitist, whose perceptions extended beyond the human face and figure to take in more complete codes of demeanor, adornment, and artifact. He was also blessed with an acute graphic intelligence and a sculptor's sensitivity to volumes in light, talents that served his superb nude studies and life-long explorations of still life. 

Irving Penn (American, 1917–2009), Rolleiflex 3.5 E3 Twin-Lens Reflex Camera with 75 mm Carl Zeiss Planar Lens, 1961–1964, 17 1/2 × 9 × 9 in. (44.5 × 22.9 × 22.9 cm) © The Irving Penn Foundation.

Penn dealt with so many subjects throughout his long career that he is conventionally seen either with a single lens—as the portraitist, fashion photographer, or still life virtuoso—or as the master of all trades, the jeweler of journalists who could fine-tool anything. The exhibition at The Met will chart a different course, mapping the overall geography of the work and the relative importance of the subjects and campaigns the artist explored most creatively. Its organization largely follows the pattern of his development so that the structure of the work, its internal coherence, and the tenor of the times of the artist's experience all become evident.  

The exhibition most thoroughly explores the following series: street signs, including examples of early work in New York, the American South, and Mexico; fashion and style, with many classic photographs of Lisa Fonssagrives-Penn, the former dancer who became the first supermodel as well as the artist's wife; portraits of indigenous people in Cuzco, Peru; the Small Trades portraits of urban laborers; portraits of beloved cultural figures from Truman Capote, Joe Louis, Picasso, and Colette to Alvin Ailey, Ingmar Bergman, and Joan Didion; the infamous cigarette still lifes; portraits of the fabulously dressed citizens of Dahomey (Benin), New Guinea, and Morocco; the late "Morandi" still lifes; voluptuous nudes; and glorious color studies of flowers. These subjects chart the artist's path through the demands of the cultural journal, the changes in fashion itself and in editorial approach, the fortunes of the picture press in the age of television, the requirements of an artistic inner voice in a commercial world, the moral condition of the American conscience during the Vietnam War era, the growth of photography as a fine art in the 1970s and 1980s, and personal intimations of mortality. All these strands of meaning are embedded in the images—a web of deep and complex ideas belied by the seeming forthrightness of what is represented.  

Irving Penn (American, 1917–2009),  Theatre Accident, New York, 1947, printed 1984. Dye transfer print,  22 1/2 x 18 5/16 in. (57.2 x 46.5 cm). The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Promised Gift of The Irving Penn Foundation © Condé Nast

Penn generally worked in a studio or in a traveling tent that served the same purpose, and favored a simple background of white or light gray tones. His preferred backdrop was made from an old theater curtain found in Paris that had been softly painted with diffused gray clouds. This backdrop followed Penn from studio to studio; a companion of over 60 years, it is being displayed in one of the Museum's galleries among celebrated portraits it helped create. Other highlights of the exhibition include newly unearthed footage of the photographer at work in his tent in Morocco; issues of Vogue magazine illustrating the original use of the photographs and, in some cases, to demonstrate the difference between those brilliantly colored, journalistic presentations and Penn's later reconsidered reuse of the imagery; and several of Penn's drawings shown near similar still life photographs.  

Irving Penn: Centennial is co-curated by Maria Morris Hambourg, independent curator and the founding curator of The Met's Department of Photographs, and Jeff L. Rosenheim, Joyce Frank Menschel Curator in Charge of the Department of Photographs at The Met.

Irving Penn (American, 1917–2009),  Still Life with Watermelon, New York, 1947, printed 1985. Dye transfer print,  23 7/8 x 20 in. (60.6 x 50.8 cm). The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Promised Gift of The Irving Penn Foundation © Condé Nast

Irving Penn (American, 1917–2009),  Salad Ingredients, New York, 1947, printed 1984. Dye transfer print,  22 3/8 x 18 3/16 in. (56.8 x 46.2 cm). The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Promised Gift of The Irving Penn Foundation © Condé Nast

Irving Penn (American, 1917–2009),  Beef Still Life, New York,  1943, printed April 2003. Dye transfer print,  23 1/16 x 18 7/8 in. (58.5 x 48 cm). The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Promised Gift of The Irving Penn Foundation © Condé Nast

Irving Penn (American, 1917–2009),  After-Dinner Games, New York, 1947, printed 1985. Dye transfer print,  23 7/8 x 20 1/16 in. (60.6 x 50.9 cm). The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Promised Gift of The Irving Penn Foundation © Condé Nast

Irving Penn (American, 1917–2009),  Marcel Duchamp, New York, April 22, 1948. Gelatin silver print,  10 x 8 1/8 in. (25.4 x 20.6 cm). The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Promised Gift of The Irving Penn Foundation © The Irving Penn Foundation

Irving Penn (American, 1917–2009),  Elsa Schiaparelli, New York, March 29, 1948, printed ca. 1948. Gelatin silver print,  14 1/8 x 10 7/8 in. (35.9 x 27.7 cm). The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Promised Gift of The Irving Penn Foundation © The Irving Penn Foundation

Irving Penn (American, 1917–2009),  Elsa Schiaparelli, New York, March 29, 1948, printed ca. 1948. Gelatin silver print,  14 1/8 x 10 7/8 in. (35.9 x 27.7 cm). The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Promised Gift of The Irving Penn Foundation © The Irving Penn Foundation

Irving Penn (American, 1917–2009),  Peter Ustinov, New York, June 9, 1947, printed 1947. Gelatin silver print,  14 x 11 in. (35.6 x 28 cm). The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Promised Gift of The Irving Penn Foundation © The Irving Penn Foundation

Irving Penn (American, 1917–2009),  Aldred Hitchcock, New York, May 23, 1947. Gelatin silver print,  14 x 11 in. (35.6 x 28 cm). The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Promised Gift of The Irving Penn Foundation © The Irving Penn Foundation

Irving Penn (American, 1917–2009),  Truman Capote, New York, March 5, 1948. Gelatin silver print,  10 1/16 x 8 3/16 in. (25.5 x 20.8 cm). The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Promised Gift of The Irving Penn Foundation © The Irving Penn Foundation

Irving Penn (American, 1917–2009),  Charles James, New York, February 28, 1948, printed June 2002. Gelatin silver print,  9 15/16 x 7 15/16 in. (25.3 x 20.1 cm). The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Promised Gift of The Irving Penn Foundation © The Irving Penn Foundation

Irving Penn (American, 1917–2009),  Salvador Dali, New York, February 20, 1947. Gelatin silver print,  14 x 11 in. (35.5 x 28 cm). The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Promised Gift of The Irving Penn Foundation © The Irving Penn Foundation

Irving Penn (American, 1917–2009),  Glove and Shoe, New York, July 7, 1947. Gelatin silver print,  11 15/16 x 10 1/16 in. (30.3 x 25.6 cm). The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Promised Gift of The Irving Penn Foundation © The Irving Penn Foundation

Irving Penn (American, 1917–2009),  Dior Dress (Dorian Leigh), New York, 1949, printed 1949. Gelatin silver print,  19 15/16 x 16 in. (50.6 x 40.6 cm). The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Promised Gift of The Irving Penn Foundation © The Irving Penn Foundation

Irving Penn (American, 1917–2009),  The Twelve Most Photographed Models, New York, 1947. Gelatin silver print,  15 3/8 x 18 7/8 in. (39 x 48 cm). The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Promised Gift of The Irving Penn Foundation © The Irving Penn Foundation

Irving Penn (American, 1917–2009),  The Tarot Reader (Bridget Tichenor and Jean Patchett), New York, 1949, printed 1984. Gelatin silver print,  22 x 19 7/8 in. (55.9 x 50.5 cm). The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Promised Gift of The Irving Penn Foundation © Condé Nast 

Irving Penn (American, 1917–2009),  Kerchief Glove (Dior), Paris, 1950, printed 1984. Gelatin silver print,  20 x 20 in. (50.8 x 50.8 cm). The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Promised Gift of The Irving Penn Foundation © Condé Nast 

Irving Penn (American, 1917–2009),  Black and White Fashion with Handbag (Jean Patchett), New York, 1950, printed April 2003. Gelatin silver print,  18 9/16 x 17 7/8 in. (47.1 x 45.4 cm). The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Promised Gift of The Irving Penn Foundation © The Irving Penn Foundation 

Irving Penn (American, 1917–2009), Balenciaga Sleeve (Régine Debrise), Paris, 1947. Gelatin silver print,  15 3/8 x 18 7/8 in. (39 x 48 cm). The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Promised Gift of The Irving Penn Foundation © Condé Nast 

Irving Penn (American, 1917–2009),  Girl with Tobacco on Tongue (Mary Jane Russell), New York, 1951, printed ca. 1951. Gelatin silver print,  21 x 17 15/16 in. (53.3 x 45.6 cm). The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Promised Gift of The Irving Penn Foundation © Condé Nast 

Irving Penn (American, 1917–2009),  Spanish Hat by Tatiana du Plessix (Dovima), New York, December 22, 1949, printed 1949. Gelatin silver print,  20 x 14 15/16 in. (50.8 x 38 cm). The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Promised Gift of The Irving Penn Foundation © The Irving Penn Foundation

Irving Penn (American, 1917–2009),  Cocoa-Colored Balenciaga Dress (Lisa Fonssagrives-Penn), Paris, 1950, printed June 1980. Gelatin silver print,  26 x 22 1/16 in. (66 x 56 cm.). The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Promised Gift of The Irving Penn Foundation © Condé Nast 

Irving Penn (American, 1917–2009),  Rochas Mermaid Dress (Lisa Fonssagrives-Penn), Paris, 1950, printed 1980. Gelatin silver print,  26 1/8 x 22 in. (66.3 x 55.9 cm). The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Promised Gift of The Irving Penn Foundation © Condé Nast 

Irving Penn (American, 1917–2009), Balenciaga Mantle Coat (Lisa Fonssagrives-Penn), Paris,
1950, printed 1988. Gelatin silver print,  26 1/16 x 22 in. (66.2 x 55.9 cm). The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Promised Gift of The Irving Penn Foundation © Condé Nast

Irving Penn (American, 1917–2009), Woman with Roses (Lisa Fonssagrives-Penn in Lafaurie Dress), Paris, 1950, printed 1968. Gelatin silver print, 26 3/4 x 22 3/4 in. (68 x 57.8 cm). The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Promised Gift of The Irving Penn Foundation © Condé Nast (Fr.)

Irving Penn (American, 1917–2009), Vogue Fashion Photograph (Jean Patchett), New York, 1949, printed 1949. Gelatin silver print, 18 9/16 x 17 13/16 in. (47.1 x 45.3 cm). The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Promised Gift of The Irving Penn Foundation © The Irving Penn Foundation 

Irving Penn (American, 1917–2009), Large Sleeve (Sunny Harnett), New York, December 22, 1951, printed 1984. Gelatin silver print, 18 1/8 x 18 3/8 in. (46 x 46.7 cm). The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Promised Gift of The Irving Penn Foundation © Condé Nast

Irving Penn (American, 1917–2009), Man Lighting Girl's Cigarette (Jean Patchett), New York, 1949, printed 1983. Gelatin silver print, 19 7/8 x 23 7/8 in. (50.5 x 60.6 cm). The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Promised Gift of The Irving Penn Foundation © The Irving Penn Foundation

Irving Penn (American, 1917–2009), Woman in Chicken Hat (Lisa Fonssagrives-Penn), New York, December 1, 1949. Gelatin silver print, 19 7/8 x 16 in. (50.5 x 40.6 cm) in. (38.3 x 36.5 cm). The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Promised Gift of The Irving Penn Foundation © The Irving Penn Foundation

Irving Penn (American, 1917–2009), Girl Drinking (Mary Jane Russell), New York, 1949, printed ca. 1960. Gelatin silver print, 24 x 20 in. (61 x 50.8 cm). Loan from The Irving Penn Foundation © Condé Nast 

Irving Penn (American, 1917–2009), Cuzco Children, December 1948, printed 1968. Platinum-palladium print, 22 3/4 x 24 1/8 in. (57.8 x 61.3 cm). The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Promised Gift of The Irving Penn Foundation © Condé Nast 

Irving Penn (American, 1917–2009), Two Men in White Masks, Cuzco, December 1948, printed 1984. Gelatin silver print, 13 9/16 x 12 11/16 in. (34.4 x 32.3 cm). The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Promised Gift of The Irving Penn Foundation © The Irving Penn Foundation

Irving Penn (American, 1917–2009), Marchande de Ballons, Paris, 1950, printed 1976. Platinum-palladium print, 22 1/2 × 17 11/16 in. (57.2 × 45 cm), deckle edge. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Purchase, The Lauder Foundation and The Irving Penn Foundation Gifts, 2014 (2014.268.35) Copyright © Les Editions Condé Nast S. A.

Irving Penn (American, 1917–2009), Vitrier [Glazier], Paris, 1950, printed November 1976. Platinum-palladium print, 22 7/16 x 15 13/16 in. (57 x 40.2 cm). Loan from The Irving Penn Foundation © The Irving Penn Foundation

Irving Penn (American, 1917–2009), Pâtissiers [Pastry Chefs], Paris, 1950, printed January–March 1970. Platinum-palladium-iridium print, 25 x 20 1/16 in. (63.5 x 50.9 cm). Loan from The Irving Penn Foundation © The Irving Penn Foundation 

Irving Penn (American, 1917–2009), Rémouleur, Paris, 1950, printed 1967. Platinum-palladium print, 22 5/8 × 17 7/8 in. (57.5 × 45.4 cm), deckle edge. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Purchase, The Lauder Foundation and The Irving Penn Foundation Gifts, 2014 (2014.268.43) Copyright © Les Editions Condé Nast S. A.

Irving Penn (American, 1917–2009), Richard Burton, London, 1950, printed 1953. Gelatin silver print, 15 13/16 x 15 11/16 in. (40.2 x 39.9 cm). The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Promised Gift of The Irving Penn Foundation © Condé Nast (Br.)

Irving Penn (American, 1917–2009), Marlene Dietrich, New York, November 3, 1948, printed April 2000. Gelatin silver print, 10 x 8 1/16 in. (25.4 x 20.4 cm). The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Promised Gift of The Irving Penn Foundation © The Irving Penn Foundation 

Irving Penn (American, 1917–2009), Cecil Beaton, London, 1950, printed before 1975. Gelatin silver print, 17 3/16 x 14 15/16 in. (43.6 x 38 cm). The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Promised Gift of The Irving Penn Foundation © Condé Nast (Fr.)

Irving Penn (American, 1917–2009), Francis Bacon, London, June 1962, printed February 1981. Platinum-palladium print, 24 x 20 1/16 in. (61 x 50.9 cm). The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Promised Gift of The Irving Penn Foundation © Condé Nast

Irving Penn (American, 1917–2009), Pablo Picasso at La Californie, Cannes, 1957, printed February 1985. 
Platinum-palladium print, 26 x 22 in. (66 x 55.9 cm). The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Promised Gift of The Irving Penn Foundation © The Irving Penn Foundation

Irving Penn (American, 1917–2009), Dora Maar, France, 1948, printed July 2002. Gelatin silver print, 18 1/4 x 17 15/16 in. (46.4 x 45.6 cm). The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Promised Gift of The Irving Penn Foundation © The Irving Penn Foundation

Irving Penn (American, 1917–2009), Colette, Paris, 1951, printed March 1982. Platinum-palladium print, 22 1/16 x 26 in. (56 x 66 cm). The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Promised Gift of The Irving Penn Foundation © Condé Nast

Irving Penn (American, 1917–2009), Balthus (Balthasar Klossowski de Rola), Paris, October 26, 1948, printed October 28, 1948. Gelatin silver print, 23 7/8 x 20 1/16 in. (60.6 x 50.9 cm). The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Promised Gift of The Irving Penn Foundation © The Irving Penn Foundation

Irving Penn (American, 1917–2009), Carson McCullers, New York, May 10 1950, printed 1983. Platinum-palladium print, 24 1/8 x 20 1/16 in. (61.2 x 51 cm). The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Promised Gift of The Irving Penn Foundation © Condé Nast 

Irving Penn (American, 1917–2009), Audrey Hepburn, Paris, 1951. Gelatin silver print, 20 x 14 15/16 in. (50.8 x 38 cm). The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Promised Gift of The Irving Penn Foundation © Condé Nast

Irving Penn (American, 1917–2009),  Yves Saint Laurent, Paris,November 1957. Gelatin silver print, 13 7/8 x 11 in. (35.3 x 28 cm). The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Promised Gift of The Irving Penn Foundation © The Irving Penn Foundation 

Irving Penn (American, 1917–2009),  Miró and His Daughter, Dolores, Tarragona, Spain, November 5, 1948. Gelatin silver print, 14 1/8 x 11 in. (35.8 x 28 cm). The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Promised Gift of The Irving Penn Foundation © The Irving Penn Foundation 

Irving Penn (American, 1917–2009),  Jean Cocteau, Paris, July 26, 1948. Gelatin silver print, 18 1/16 x 18 1/16 in. (45.8 x 45.8 cm). The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Promised Gift of The Irving Penn Foundation © Condé Nast

Irving Penn (American, 1917–2009),  T.S. Eliot, London,  13 7/8 x 10 15/16 in. (35.3 x 2 x 27.8 cm. Gelatin silver print, 18 1/16 x 18 1/16 in. (45.8 x 45.8 cm). The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Promised Gift of The Irving Penn Foundation © The Irving Penn Foundation

Irving Penn (American, 1917–2009),  Catwoman, New Guinea, 1970, printed June 1980. Platinum-palladium print, 26 5/16 x 22 1/16 in. (66.9 x 56 cm.). The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Promised Gift of The Irving Penn Foundation © The Irving Penn Foundationt 

Irving Penn (American, 1917–2009),  Man with Pink Face, New Guinea, 1970, printed 1993. Gelatin silver print, 23 15/16 x 19 15/16 in. (60.8 x 50.7 cm). The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Promised Gift of The Irving Penn Foundation © Condé Nast 

Irving Penn (American, 1917–2009),  Woman with Three Loaves, Morocco, 1971, printed 1990. Gelatin silver print, 20 x 16 in. (50.8 x 40.7 cm). The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Promised Gift of The Irving Penn Foundation © The Irving Penn Foundation

Irving Penn (American, 1917–2009),  Four Guedras, Morocco, 1971, printed November 1985. Platinum-palladium print, 26 x 22 1/16 in. (66.1 x 56 cm). The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Promised Gift of The Irving Penn Foundation © The Irving Penn Foundation 

Irving Penn (American, 1917–2009),  Dahomey Children, 1967, printed October 1980. Platinum-palladium print, 22 x 26 in. (55.9 x 66 cm). The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Promised Gift of The Irving Penn Foundation © The Irving Penn Foundation

Irving Penn (American, 1917–2009),  Three Dahomey Girls, One Reclining, 1967, printed 1980. Platinum-palladium print, 22 x 26 in. (55.9 x 66 cm). The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Promised Gift of The Irving Penn Foundation © The Irving Penn Foundation

Irving Penn (American, 1917–2009),  Balenciaga Rose Dress, Paris, 1967, printed May 2002. Gelatin silver print, 14 x 11 in. (35.5 x 27.9 cm). The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Promised Gift of The Irving Penn Foundation © Condé Nast 

Irving Penn (American, 1917–2009),  Ungaro Bride Body Sculpture (Marisa Berenson), Paris, 1969, printed 1985. Gelatin silver print, 13 7/8 x 11 13/16 in. (35.3 x 30 cm). The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Promised Gift of The Irving Penn Foundation © Condé Nast

Irving Penn (American, 1917–2009),  Issey Miyake, New York, May 16, 1988, printed 1988. Gelatin silver print, 19 7/8 x 16 in. (50.5 x 40.6 cm). The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Promised Gift of The Irving Penn Foundation © The Irving Penn Foundation 

Irving Penn (American, 1917–2009),  Lacroix Lace Dress (Shalom Harlow), Paris, July 15, 1995, printed June–July 1996. Platinum-palladium print, 24 5/16 x 21 9/16 in. (61.8 x 54.8 cm). The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Promised Gift of The Irving Penn Foundation © Condé Nast 

Irving Penn (American, 1917–2009),  Christian Lacroix Duchesse Satin Dress, Paris, July 1995, printed May 1996. Platinum-palladium print, 24 3/8 x 21 7/8 in. (61.9 x 55.5 cm). The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Promised Gift of The Irving Penn Foundation © Condé Nast 

Irving Penn (American, 1917–2009),  Ingmar Bergman, Stockholm, 1964, printed 1992. Gelatin silver print, 16 15/16 x 16 15/16 in. (43.1 x 43.1 cm). The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Promised Gift of The Irving Penn Foundation © The Irving Penn Foundation

Irving Penn (American, 1917–2009),  Truman Capote, New York, June 1965, printed 1968. Platinum-palladium print, 40.2 x 39.2 cm. (15 13/16 x 15 7/16 in.).. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Purchase, The Horace W. Goldsmith Foundation Gift, through Joyce and Robert Menschel, 1986, (1986.1206) © Condé Nast Publications, Inc.

Irving Penn (American, 1917–2009),  Single Oriental Poppy, New York, 1968, printed 1987.
Dye transfer print, 20 x 23 11/16 in. (50.8 x 60.1 cm). The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Promised Gift of The Irving Penn Foundation © The Irving Penn Foundation

Irving Penn (American, 1917–2009),  Single Oriental Poppy, New York, 1968, printed 1989. 
Dye transfer print, 22 15/16 x 18 13/16 in. (58.2 x 47.8 cm). The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Promised Gift of The Irving Penn Foundation © The Irving Penn Foundation

Irving Penn (American, 1917–2009),  Three Poppies 'Arab Chief', New York, 1969, printed 1992. 
Dye transfer print, 22 3/4 x 19 7/16 in. (57.8 x 49.3 cm). The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Promised Gift of The Irving Penn Foundation © Condé Nast

Irving Penn (American, 1917–2009), Peony ‘Silver Dawn’, New York, 2006, printed August 2006. 
Inkjet print, 23 13/16 x 20 3/4 in. (60.5 x 52.7 cm). The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Promised Gift of The Irving Penn Foundation © Condé Nast

Irving Penn (American, 1917–2009), Issey Miyake Staircase Dress, New York, June 28 1994, printed May–June 1997. Platinum-palladium print, 20 9/16 x 18 5/16 in. (52.3 x 46.5 cm). The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Promised Gift of The Irving Penn Foundation © The Irving Penn Foundation

Irving Penn (American, 1917–2009), Two Miyake Warriors, New York, June 3, 1998, printed January-February, 1999. Platinum-palladium print, 23 1/4 x 21 9/16 in. (59 x 54.7 cm). The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Promised Gift of The Irving Penn Foundation © The Irving Penn Foundation

Irving Penn (American, 1917–2009), Still Life with Shoe, New York, 1980, printed September 1981. Platinum-palladium print, 16 x 23 15/16 in. (40.6 x 61 cm). The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Promised Gift of The Irving Penn Foundation © The Irving Penn Foundation

Irving Penn (American, 1917–2009), Untitled, New York, 1979. Ink on paper, 8 1/2 x 11 in. (21.6 x 28 cm). Loan from The Irving Penn Foundation © The Irving Penn Foundation

Irving Penn (American, 1917–2009), Untitled, New York, ca. 1979. Ink and pencil on paper, 16 7/8 x 12 1/2 in. (42.9 x 31.7 cm). Loan from The Irving Penn Foundation © The Irving Penn Foundation

Irving Penn (American, 1917–2009), Untitled, New York, 1979. Ink on paper, 16 7/8 x 12 1/2 in. (42.9 x 31.7 cm). Loan from The Irving Penn Foundation © The Irving Penn Foundation

Irving Penn (American, 1917–2009), Still Life of Nine Pieces, New York, 2005. Inkjet printing, watercolor, and gum arabic on paper, 12 7/16 x 22 1/16 in. (31.6 x 56.1 cm). Loan from The Irving Penn Foundation © The Irving Penn Foundation