Martinique 1972 Andre Kertesz Abstract Silhouette Photography Print

A profound sense of quietude hangs over the textured glass and dark horizon of this 1972 Caribbean composition. The image captures a diffused human silhouette pressed against a vertical partition, juxtaposed with the sharp horizontal lines of a balcony railing and the heavy, brooding sky of the tropics.

About André Kertész

André Kertész (1894–1985) was a Hungarian-born photographer whose poetic street scenes influenced generations of photographers. Without colour, a photograph relies on contrast, texture and composition, which is why black and white feels timeless. Vintage photographs carry the grain, tone and atmosphere of their time. The original image dates from 1972. Black-and-white prints sit comfortably in almost any room, from minimalist to traditional.

Styling this André Kertész photograph

Black-and-white tones give this André Kertész photograph a moody character that holds a room. In a home office, hang “Martinique” above a desk: 20×30″ or 24×36″ for impact, 12×18″ for a smaller wall. Because “Martinique” is black and white, it pairs with any colour scheme; a slim black frame and a wide mat complete the look. Build a gallery wall around “Martinique”: add two or three smaller prints that echo its black-and-white and keep the gaps to 2–3 inches.

At a glance

• Type: André Kertész photograph
• Photographer: André Kertész
• Year: 1972
• Style: Black and white photography, Vintage photography
• Colours: black-and-white
• Mood: moody
• Orientation: landscape
• Collections: Black and White Photography Prints, Fine Art Photography Prints, Vintage Photography Prints