Robert Mapplethorpe: Portraits

Robert Mapplethorpe was a major American photographer who was active from the late 1960s until his death in 1989. In the 60s, he studied painting, drawing and sculpture. In 1967, he became friends with Patti Smith, who had a major influence on his work throughout his life. It was only in 1970 that Mapplethorpe tried Polaroid photography, which led him to exhibit for the first time in New York.

His black and white photos captured celebrity portraits, male and female nudes, self-portraits, still-life images and most controversially his pictures of the gay BDSM subculture of New York. His pictures immortalized scenes and taboos that a conservative America was fighting hard to suppress, and this work was so divisive that it sparked debate as to the limits of free speech and expression within the arts.

Whilst his art was not traditional in its subjects, he always focused on the classical aspects of beauty within his photography, using lighting, shadow, composition and form as central elements of each image.

Each of Mapplethorpe's portraits is as intriguing and intimate as the last, masterfully composed and taken by one of the most influential photographers of the 20th century. Don't hesitate to make one of his artworks your own by exploring our curated collection of his portraiture.