TUDOR CITY ART: Louis Faurer

The first in a series of artwork featuring Tudor City is this photograph made by Louis Faurer in 1947. Although he made his living as a fashion photographer, Faurer (1916-2001) is best remembered for his candid street photography, particularly in and around Times Square. His renown may have faded over time, but he was much admired by fellow photographers Robert Frank (with whom he shared a darkroom) and Edward Steichen (who included his pictures in two significant Museum of Modern Art exhibitions, "In and Out of Focus" in 1948 and "The Family of Man" in 1955).

The picture is entitled Elevated Subway on 3rd Avenue looking at Tudor City, NY and was made in 1947. A self portrait, it features some of Faurer's trademark photographic techniques, including the use of blur, reflection and double exposure. The image looks east along 42nd Street from the vantage point of the 3rd Avenue elevated train, with Woodstock Tower directly to the left of Faurer's profile.