Paul Himmel, Botticelli Girl (Patricia McBride), circa 1950. Gelatin silver print, 20 x 16 inches (50.8 x 40.6 cm).

Paul Himmel (b.1914, d. February 8, 2009) is recognized for his contribution to fashion and documentary photography. Initially working at Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar, Himmel went on to experiment with grain in photography, often tending towards abstraction. His photographs are fresh and unusual, and he uses subjects ranging from nudes, to abstractions, to city scenes. His headshot of dancer Patricia McBride on the beach, the young beauty’s hair surf-drenched, is aptly titled “Botticelli Girl.” This iconic portrait study was featured in the landmark “Family of Man” exhibition (MOMA, NY 1955).