Original matte-finish 20 x 16 silver gelatin photograph of James Dean from the 'Torn Sweater Series' taken by photographer Roy Schatt for Life Magazine on December 29, 1954, signed in the lower border in pencil by Schatt. Also stamped on the reverse with Schatt's credit. In fine condition, with minor edge rippling and a small edge crease below the signature.
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, D.C., and the Art Institute of Chicago.
