About This Image

McBean, a singular talent in 20th-century portraiture, was known for his unique ability to incorporate surrealist elements into complex, highly crafted compositions in which no detail was left untouched. He immortalized celebrities from Laurence Olivier to the Beatles, his image of actress Vivian Leigh even appearing on a British postage stamp.

This print features an unknown British actor, the crisp line of his profile lit dramatically.

Stamp on verso verifies the print: "Copyright of Angus McBean 53 Endwell Street, WC2 Temple Bar 1015"

The Gernsheims were early collectors and strong fans of McBean's work, and he is highlighted in "The Gernsheim Collection, Harry Ransom Center," University of Texas Press, Austin, 2010, page 300.