Fitz W. Guerin (1846 – 1903) was a recipient of the Medal of Honor in the American Civil War. On returning to civilian life, he became a successful society photographer in St. Louis, Missouri. He was born in New York City. At 13, he set out on his own and worked for the Merrill Drug Company in St. Louis and Western Union. When he returned to St. Louis and began to learn photography working as an assistant.
After years of learning, finally, in 1876 he creates his own studio. He won an award at the 1878 World Fair in Paris and his success with the public became dazzling. He sells his prints in galleries, in a 27-year career he will open 6 galleries, and he will be the president of the National Photographic Society several times.
In his photographs we find many portraits, mostly young enticing women but also children with a good light management. He has also made many scenes more or less worked that show romanticized family scenes and make a beautiful use of painted backgrounds
Today, it seems to have been largely forgotten.
A 1982 American Heritage magazine article labeled him a "turbid Victorian hack", though it did concede he was technically gifted. Some of his photographs are held by the Library of Congress.
© 2019. All images are copyrighted © by Fitz W. Guerin or assignee. Apart from fair dealing for the purpose of private study, research, criticism or review as permitted under the Copyright Act, the use of any image from this site is prohibited unless prior written permission is obtained. All images used for illustrative purposes only.
After years of learning, finally, in 1876 he creates his own studio. He won an award at the 1878 World Fair in Paris and his success with the public became dazzling. He sells his prints in galleries, in a 27-year career he will open 6 galleries, and he will be the president of the National Photographic Society several times.
In his photographs we find many portraits, mostly young enticing women but also children with a good light management. He has also made many scenes more or less worked that show romanticized family scenes and make a beautiful use of painted backgrounds
Today, it seems to have been largely forgotten.
A 1982 American Heritage magazine article labeled him a "turbid Victorian hack", though it did concede he was technically gifted. Some of his photographs are held by the Library of Congress.
© 2019. All images are copyrighted © by Fitz W. Guerin or assignee. Apart from fair dealing for the purpose of private study, research, criticism or review as permitted under the Copyright Act, the use of any image from this site is prohibited unless prior written permission is obtained. All images used for illustrative purposes only.
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| Mr Fitz W. Guerin |
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