Most Iconic Photographs of the 20th Century From Around the World

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 Most Iconic Photographs of the 20th Century From Around the World

The 20th century was a time of momentous events, scientific and technological advancements, art, music, and much more. It was also a period that produced a number of significant photographs, from around the world, that went on to help define the era. Here, we’ve gathered a selection of the 20th century’s most iconic photos, from all corners of the globe, that represent some of the most significant moments of the age.

  1. Joe Rosenthal’s Photo of Raising the Flag over Iwo Jima

Army photographer, Joe Rosenthal, captured the famous image of U.S. Marines raising an American flag atop Mt. Suribachi after the Battle of Iwo Jima. Taken on the island of Iwo Jima, on February 23rd, 1945, this image served as a symbol of hope and victory, not only in the U.S. but around the world. The photograph was so effective and inspiring, it became one of the most famous and enduring images of World War II and the 20th century.

  1. Alfred Eisenstaedt’s Photo of V-J Day Kiss

Life photographer, Alfred Eisenstaedt, captured the famous image of a sailor remarking with a kiss, a young nurse in Times Square, New York City, after the announcement of the surrender of Japan. The event marked the end of WWII and the photograph, taken on August 14th, 1945, was one of the most iconic war-time photos of the 20th century.

  1. Diane Arbus’s Photo of Identical Twins

Famous American photographer, Diane Arbus, captured a startling portrait of a pair of identical twins, in identical clothing, in a park in Montauk, New York, in 1967. This image, although controversial and considered somewhat of a departure from traditional portraiture, is certainly one of the most iconic photos of the 20th century.

  1. Jacques-Henri Lartigue’s Photo of a Diving Girl

French photographer, Jacques-Henri Lartigue, captured the famous image of a girl doing a handstand, with her skirt flying up, at Mentone beach in southern France, in 1908. The image is beloved for its portrayal of a joyous spirit and innocence which has come to be distinctly associated with the 20th century.

  1. Richard Avedon’s Photo of the American West

American photographer, Richard Avedon, captured the famous image of an American cowboy in 1975. This black and white portrait of an elemental figure in the expansive western landscape of New Mexico is considered a definitive representation of the American west, as well as one of the most iconic photos of the 20th century.

  1. Steve McCurry’s Photo of an Afghan Girl

American photographer, Steve McCurry, captured the famous image of a young Afghan girl in the Pakistani refugee camp of Nasir Bagh, in June of 1984. The vivid portrait of the young girl, her piercing green eyes, and her tattered clothing served as an indelible reminder of the harsh realities of the Soviet-Afghan conflict. This portrait has come to be regarded as one of the most iconic images of the age.

  1. Margaret Bourke-White’s Photo of Mahatma Gandhi

American photographer, Margaret Bourke-White, captured the famous image of Mahatma Gandhi in 1946. This iconic portrait of Gandhi spinning thread is the most well-known photograph of him and an enduring representation of the struggle for Indian independence.

  1. Annie Leibovitz’s Photo of John Lennon and Yoko Ono

American photographer, Annie Leibovitz, captured the famous image of John Lennon and Yoko Ono in 1980. This poignant portrait of the couple, hours before Lennon’s assassination, was one of the most iconic photo-tributes of the 20th century and a reminder of the power of love.

  1. Gordon Parks’s Photo of a Harlem Gang Leader

American photographer, Gordon Parks, captured the famous image of a Harlem gang leader, in a vacant lot in the neighborhood, in June of 1952. Parks’ iconic shot of this young teen reflecting a profound loneliness, which has come to be associated with the 20th century, remains one of the most powerful images of the age.

  1. Henri Cartier-Bresson’s Photo of a Hoop-Skirt Seller

French photographer, Henri Cartier-Bresson, captured the famous image of a hoop-skirt seller in Paris, in May of 1954. This striking street scene, which captured a moment of everyday life, inspired generations of photographers and remains one of the most iconic photos of the 20th century.

  1. Andy Warhol’s Photo of Dash Snow

American artist, Andy Warhol, captured the famous image of artist Dash Snow, submerged in a bathtub filled with beans, in April of 1986. This iconic portrait of Snow is a haunting reminder of the transience of life and one of the most memorable images of the 20th century.

  1. Vivian Maier’s Photo of a Chicago Street

American street photographer, Vivian Maier, captured the famous image of a Chicago street in June of 1955. The image, with its vibrant colors and human elements, has become an enduring representation of 1950s-era city life.

  1. Alfred Stieglitz’s Photo of Georgia O’Keeffe

American photographer, Alfred Stieglitz, captured the famous portrait of artist Georgia O’Keeffe in 1918. This iconic image of a young O’Keeffe in a white dress, with a hat, has become one of the most famous portraits of the 20th century.

  1. Robert Doisneau’s Photo of a Kiss

French photographer, Robert Doisneau, captured the famous image of two lovers kissing in front of the Hotel de Ville in Paris, in 1950. This happy scene, which captured a sublime moment of romantic joy, has become an enduring representation of the 20th century.

  1. Sally Mann’s Photo of Jessie at Age 8

American photographer, Sally Mann, captured the famous portrait of her daughter, Jessie, at the age of eight, in 1988. This intimate black and white image, with its powerful and direct gaze, has become one of the most iconic photographs of the 20th century.

  1. August Sander’s Photos of German Folk

German photographer, August Sander, captured the famous series of photographs of German folk, known as “People of the 20th Century,” between 1911 and 1951. This pioneering work of portraiture, which featured a variety of people from all walks of life, has become an indelible reminder of the 20th century.

  1. Elliot Erwitt’s Dog Photo

American photographer, Elliot Erwitt, captured the famous image of a bulldog wearing glasses, in Paris, in 1954. This humorous image, with its attention to both form and wit, has become one of the most iconic photographs of the 20th century.

  1. Sebastião Salgado’s Photo of a Ni-Vanuatu Girl

Brazilian photographer, Sebastião Salgado, captured the famous image of a Ni-Vanuatu girl, standing next to a tree, in 1984. This image, with its focus on the spirituality and grandeur of nature, has become one of the most iconic photos of the 20th century.

  1. Mary Ellen Mark’s Photo of John and Anya

American photographer, Mary Ellen Mark, captured the famous portrait of John and Anya, a married couple from France, in Paris, in 1990. This color portrait of a tender moment between two lovers has come to be an iconic image of the 20th century.

  1. Yousuf Karsh’s Photo of Winston Churchill

Canadian photographer, Yousuf Karsh, captured the famous portrait of British Prime Minister, Winston Churchill, in Ottawa, in 1941. This image, with its bold, commanding gaze, has come to be an iconic representation of Churchill, as well as the era.

At the close of the 20th century, it is clear that it was an era of both turmoil and triumph. As photographers, from all corners of the globe, captured both the raw emotion and sublime beauty of the age. This collection of the 20th century’s most iconic photos, from around the world, serves as a reminder of both this age’s immense progress and trials.

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