Victor Vasarely by Denise Colomb

Denise Colomb was one of the greatest French portrait photographers. Like Hans Namuth in the United States, she spent most of her time shooting artists. Today is Victor Vasarely's birthday; I'll feature some of her portraits of this marvelous artist.

Victor Vasarely by Denise Colomb, 1968.

Victor Vasarely by Denise Colomb, 1958.

Victor Vasarely by Denise Colomb, 1958.

Victor Vasarely by Denise Colomb, 1950. I wonder if the artist planned the Vasarely-like combination of stripes and background, or if this was stage-managed by the photographer. Either way, it demonstrates that Vasarely's life was like a series of Vasarely paintings.

Victor Vasarely in his atelier, Les Devens, Gordes, Vaucluse, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur. Another beautifully staged portrait by Denise Colomb, 1970.

A remarkable shot of Victor Vasarely by Denise Colomb, from 1968.

By 1970 Victor Vasarely had moved his studio to the Rue aux Reliques, Annet-sur-Marne. There, Denise Colomb took advantage of the round mirrored table to make this stunning still life with Vasarely's sculpture "Kroa".

A final shot by Denise Colomb of Victor Vasarely, from 1958. A close friendship between artist and photographer that spans decades is bound to provide opportunities for special portraits. When both have a special genius - and when the subject's face is so interesting - you get magic photographs.