JUMP is a quirky and fun-filled series of fifty vintage photographs taken by Philippe Halsman five decades ago of movie stars, politicians, royalty, entertainers, artists, and authors, all jumping before Mr. Halsman’s camera. He called the series “Jumpology.”
Marilyn Monroe, Brigitte Bardot, Salvador Dali, Weegee, Jack Dempsey and even the Duke and Duchess of Windsor agreed to take a leap of faith. In that era of live television along with the popularity of the big glossy magazines, one’s image was not nearly as protected and shaped by handlers as it is today. There was a feeling of innocence, a desire for spontaneity, and Halsman, with his playful and charming personality, knew he had to get almost everyone to oblige his demand: JUMP!
Philippe Halsman was born in Latvia in 1906, and began his photographic career in Paris in the early 1930’s. He emigrated to New York in the fall of 1940, as Paris fell to the Nazis. He soon became one of the most prominent photographers in America., his photographs published widely and regularly. He died in 1979. His photographs have been collected and exhibited by museums around the world.
Left: Marilyn Monroe Right: Grace Kelly
Left: Richard Nixon Right: Duke & Dutchess of Windsor
Left: Lena Horne Right: Benny Goodman
Left: Marilyn Monroe Right: Marilyn Monroe and Philippe Halsman
Left: Audrey Hepburn Right: Sophia Loren
Left: Brigitte Bardot Right: Salvador Dali
