George Platt Lynes was an American fashion and commercial photographer renowned for his work in the 1930s and 1940s. Born in East Orange, New Jersey, Lynes initially pursued a career in literature, even opening a bookstore in Englewood, New Jersey, in 1927. His interest in photography began as a hobby, capturing images of his friends, but quickly evolved into a career. After moving to France in 1928 with fellow artists Paul and Jane Wescott, Lynes travelled across Europe, documenting his experiences with his camera. During this period, he formed close friendships with cultural figures such as Jean Cocteau and art dealer Julien Levy, who would later feature Lynes' work in his New York gallery in 1932.
Lynes returned to the United States and opened his photography studio in New York City that same year. By the mid-1930s, he was gaining commissions from major publications like Harper’s Bazaar, Vogue, and Town & Country. His work often featured renowned dancers, including those of George Balanchine’s American Ballet company, and his iconic images of the ballet world are some of his most celebrated. In addition to his fashion photography, Lynes was known for his intimate portraits of gay writers, artists, and performers, many of which were acquired by the Kinsey Institute.
Lynes’ work has been featured in numerous exhibitions, including retrospectives at the Museum of Modern Art and the Art Institute of Chicago. His photographs are held in major collections such as the Guggenheim Museum, LACMA, and the Centre Pompidou, where his legacy continues to inspire and resonate in both fashion and portrait photography.
