Herbert List (1903-1975) was a gay photographer who was fascinated by the male form, portraits, as well as ruins and ancient architecture. Particularly drawn to still life photography, List combined influences from surrealism and Bauhaus to depict constructed, subliminal visions. Ultimately, his particular style is characterized as fotografia metafisica, a style related to magical realism. About his style, List famously stated that “das Objektiv ist nicht objektiv” (the objective is not objective). Additionally, his portraits of men are described as both erotic as well as private and intimate, depicting sexuality as well as friendship in a delicate way. Continuously traveling, List produced works in Paris, Greece, Spain, Mexico, Morocco, Nigeria, and the Caribbean throughout his life. During these travels he financed his private projects by working for magazines such as HEUTE and Harper’s Bazaar.
Lessons on List’s Work
Lessons from Related Themes
- Ein Virus kennt keine Moral Module, 1993
- Heinrich Leopold Wagner, “Die Kindermörderin,” 1775
- Friedrich Wolf, “Cyankali,” 1929 (Part 2)
- Friedrich Wolf, “Cyankali” 1929 (Part 1)
- Ulrike Ottinger, an Introduction to her Art
- Ulrike Ottinger, “Bildnis einer Trinkerin,” 1979
- Selimović and Ronen, Roma Armee, 2017
- Nura, “Fair,” 2021
