Healers of Our Age Portrait Collection

Collection

Identifier: PP00-05

Abstract

The collection contains black and white portraits of 12 prominent figures in the history of medicine known for their commitment to the art and science of healing.

Dates

Creation: 1945-1960

Extent

12 items

Creator

Karsh, Yousuf, 1908-2002 (Person)

Physical Location

Materials stored onsite. History of Medicine Division. National Library of Medicine

Language of Materials

Collection materials primarily in English

Restrictions

Collection is not restricted. Contact the Reference Staff for information regarding access.

Copyright

This item may be under copyright protection. Please ask copyright owner for permission before publishing. Contact the Reference Staff for details regarding rights.

Biographical Note

"On coming to the New World and the sunshine of freedom from troubled Armenia at the age of 15, my original desire was to be a physician. This was not meant to be. But I have had the supreme joy of portraying with my camera those men and women who are devoted to the art and the science of healing. I have had the privilege of being welcomed into their consultation rooms, operating theatres, and laboratories where significant advances for the benefit of human welfare were being accomplished. Although these men and women differ in outlook and personality, they are united by their common desire to relieve suffering, whether of the body or the spirit. I am proud and happy that this photographic collection, 'Healers of Our Age' - the first portfolio in an ongoing series for the benefit of the Oliver Wendell Holmes Endowment - will assist in the preservation, enhancement and accessibility of our medical historical heritage." - Yousuf Karsh

Collection Summary

The collection contains black and white portraits of 12 prominent figures in the history of medicine known for their commitment to the art and science of healing. This portfolio of photographs was produced for the benefit of the Oliver Wendell Holmes Endowment of the Francis A. Countway Library of Medicine in Boston in a limited edition of 590. Each portfolio has been personally signed by the photographer, Yousuf Karsh. Portraits include Walter Clement Alvarez, Charles Herbert Best, Alfred Blalock, William Boyd, Thomas Stephen Cullen, Albert Einstein, Sir Alexander Fleming, Carl Gustav Jung, Helen Keller, Albert Schweitzer, George Hoyt Whipple, and Paul Dudley White.

Each of the 12 portraits is 12.9" x 17.3", printed on Bristol paper board, sanitized white, and weighs 320 grams. Photographs and commentary are by Yousuf Karsh, Ottowa, Canada.

Additional Description

Abstract

The collection contains black and white portraits of 12 prominent figures in the history of medicine known for their commitment to the art and science of healing.