Martha's Vineyard Museum exhibition "Eisenstaedt’s Martha’s Vineyard"

 Via Musee Magazine

July 22, 2024

The Martha's Vineyard Museum's exhibition "Eisenstaedt’s Martha’s Vineyard" offers a captivating glimpse into the island's past through the lens of famed photographer Alfred Eisenstaedt (1898-1995). Known for his iconic images published in Life magazine, Eisenstaedt's connection to Martha's Vineyard spanned several decades, starting from his first assignment there in the 1930s. Eisenstaedt was frequently seen with his camera, a Leica rangefinder, which he used to capture some of his most iconic photographs. He had a distinctive style of working, often using natural light and waiting patiently for the perfect moment to click the shutter. His small, unobtrusive camera allowed him to blend into the background and capture candid, spontaneous moments that might have been missed with larger, more conspicuous equipment.

Alfred Eisenstaedt was a German-born (which is now Poland) American photographer who is considered one of the pioneering photojournalists. He began taking photographs at a young age, receiving his first camera, an Eastman Kodak Folding Camera, when he was just 11 years old.

Eisenstaedt served in the German army during World War I and was wounded in 1918. After the war, he worked as a belt and button salesman in Weimar, Germany, but also started working as a freelance photographer for what eventually became the Associated Press.

The exhibition, curated by Anna Barber, features a rich collection of Eisenstaedt's work, highlighting both his renowned and lesser-known photographs. Visitors are invited to explore images that capture the essence of the island, such as a ferry cutting through ice in 1961 (First Boat in Three Days, 1961), island children learning square dancing, and portraits of notable locals like Mrs. Napoleon Madison (1969), a member of Aquinnah’s Wampanoag Tribe. Visitors can also listen to interviews with Eisenstaedt, about multiple subjects regarding his life. 

Curator Anna Barber shares:

"Through his photographs, Eisenstaedt shows us the Martha's Vineyard he loved- its people, its festivities, and its quiet corners. This exhibition is a tribute to his ability to capture the spirit of the Island, inviting visitors to experience it through moments both grand and profoundly personal."

Alfred Eisenstaedt

Giant Oak Tree, North Tisbury, 1969

Gift of Lucille Kaye, Courtesy of the Martha's Vineyard Museum.

This captivating photograph portrays a majestic old growth oak tree on Martha's Vineyard, showcasing a dynamic composition which shows great movement and variation. The image is beautifully balanced, with effective use of lights and shadows that enhance its visual appeal.

"For many summers, I drove past this giant oak on Martha's Vineyard. But, I always said to myself "Next time!" Then one day I took heart, found a hole in the fence and photographed. - A few months later, half the tree was lost to a disease. This tree will never look as beautiful anymore." - Eisenstaedt.

Eisenstaedt's technique, using natural light and a hand-held Leica camera, allowed him to capture candid moments and the authentic spirit of his subjects. This method is evident in his most famous photograph of a sailor kissing a nurse in Times Square on V-J Day. The exhibition includes personal anecdotes and memories from those who knew Eisenstaedt, offering a deeper understanding of his relationship with Martha's Vineyard and its community. 

This exhibition not only showcases Eisenstaedt’s talent but also provides a historical narrative of the island through his eyes. The museum encourages visitors to step back in time and appreciate the artistry and historical significance of these photographs in an era before digital and smartphone photography became ubiquitous.



For more details, you can explore further information at the Vineyard Gazette and The Martha’s Vineyard Museum website.