Original semi-glossy 10 x 8 silver gelatin photograph of James Dean shirtless and using a light meter in Roy Schatt's backyard in 1954, signed on the reverse in ink by the photographer, "Roy Schatt." Reverse also bears Roy Schatt credit stamps. Matted to an overall size of 14 x 14. In very good to fine condition, with light wrinkling to the bottom of the photo, and a horizontal crease across the top which passes across Dean's head.
Born in New York City, Schatt (1909-2002) is remembered for his 'method photography' of personalities associated with The Actors Studio during the Lee Strasberg era, using natural light to capture likenesses of icons such as James Dean, Marilyn Monroe, and Steve McQueen in candid, unstaged settings. Schatt and Dean became especially close friends, with Schatt teaching the actor the basics of photography so that he knew what it was like to be behind the camera. Schatt's work has been exhibited at the International Center of Photography in NYC, the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, DC, and the Art Institute of Chicago.
