Lot Essay
In 1923, Steichen was named as chief photographer for Cond Nast. Among their publications he worked for was Vanity Fair and many of the jobs involved making portraits of well-known or soon to be well-known individuals. In 1928, Steichen was in Hollywood and was called to photograph Garbo while on the set of the movie, The Green Hat. During a very brief break in the shooting, Steichen made a series of portraits of the actress. He masterfully captures this elusive figure's sense of grace and elegance as she leans against a simple kitchen chair prop. (Steichen, A Life in Photography, p. 8.)