Edward Kilenyi 1933 - 1936

This photograph, titled Edward Kilenyi, was taken by Manó Pál Vajda, though the date is unknown. It's a formal portrait, and you can tell the image-making process was probably pretty involved, especially given the period. The artist has clearly taken time in printing the image; it’s not just a snapshot. What strikes me is the control of light and shadow. Look how the face is sculpted! The light catches the cheekbone just so, giving it a defined shape, while the eyes remain a little mysterious. There's a softness to the image too, a gentle blurring of edges that suggests a human presence. It feels intimate, like we are invited to share in a moment of quiet reflection. This portrait reminds me a little of Nadar’s portraits of Parisian artists. Both artists share a similar interest in capturing not just a likeness, but a sense of character. Ultimately, the real magic of this piece lies in the way it makes us think about the relationship between photography, memory, and identity.