Original semi-glossy 17 x 14 silver gelatin photograph of James Dean with a cigarette in hand, looking out the window of his apartment on West 68th Street in 1954, signed in the lower left in ink by the photographer, "Roy Schatt." Reverse also bears Roy Schatt credit stamps. In very good to fine condition, with light rippling to the bottom edge, and scattered creases, one of which touches Dean's cheek.
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.
