Ernst Scheidegger

Swiss photographer Ernst Scheidegger (1923-2016) ranks among the twentieth century's most distinguished portraitists. His photographs of Alberto Giacometti at his Paris studio or in his native Val Bregaglia in Switzerland continue to shape the public image of this celebrated artist today.

Marking the centenary of Ernst Scheidegger, who was also the founder of publishers Scheidegger & Spiess, this book offers a fresh and contemporary look at his multi-faceted body of work. It is based on extensive research into his estate and features a concise selection of iconic and lesser-known images that demonstrate Scheidegger's prowess as a portraitist and reporter. More importantly, however, the volume enables an encounter with Scheidegger's hitherto little-published early work and thus undertakes a reassessment of his entire oeuvre. Essays by Tobia Bezzola, art historian and director of the MASI Lugano, Alessa Widmer, curator and artistic director of Photo Basel art fair, Philippe Büttner, art historian, and Helen Grob, Scheidegger's long-time companion, trace his career and self-concept as a photographer. A concise biography of Scheidegger rounds off this beautifully designed photo book.