Artwork Title: Eleanor, Chicago

Eleanor, Chicago, 1947

Harry Callahan

Eleanor Callahan, wife of Harry Callahan, was the subject of one of the most significant portrait series in photography, which is perfect because Eleanor was anonymous to most people. There are probably more great portraits of Eleanor Callahan than of Marilyn Monroe. The Callahan marriage was not the type of artist-muse relationship that they make movies about. It seems she made no effort to be a compelling model. She is never trying to create persona or convey personality, yet she is always present.... In the Eleanor portraits a woman doesn’t need to be poked and prodded, twisted and overacting to be fascinating. “In every pose. Rain or shine. And whatever I was doing. If I was doing the dishes or if I was half asleep. And he knew that I never, never said no. I was always there for him. Because I knew that Harry would only do the right thing. I never had any fear. Harry could do whatever he wanted with me and my body.” (Eleanor Callahan). http://silentbeings.tumblr.com/page/20
Uploaded on Feb 10, 2016 by Christine Degryse

Arthur is a
Digital Museum