Ellen von Unwerth is a director and photographer whose bold and erotic images of women have left an indelible mark on the visual landscape of the fashion world.
Born in Frankfurt, Germany, von Unwerth was a model in Paris for nearly a decade before turning to photography. Her 1989 images of Claudia Schiffer for a Guess jeans campaign, echoing the playfully feminine style of 1950s pinups, earned both Schiffer and von Unwerth wide attention. Over the years, her work has been featured regularly in magazines like Interview, Vanity Fair, Vogue, I-D and The Face, appearing on covers and in both editorial and commercial contexts. In 1991, she won first prize at the International Festival of Fashion Photography.
Von Unwerth’s 1995 photoshoot of Drew Barrymore for Playboy magazine is among her most popular work and, coupled with an array of album covers for such artists as Janet Jackson and Britney Spears, gave her standing as a celebrity photographer beyond the borders of the fashion world. Von Unwerth’s pictures have a distinctive look and feel, with saturated colors and dense compositions, while also, in certain cases, paying homage to great photographers of the 20th century.
The 2015 Tree of Love, Bavaria, in which a nude model reclines inside the heart-shaped hollow of an enormous decaying trunk, recalls Edward Weston’s sensuous use of the body’s geometry in his compositions. And the dramatically lit Tic Tac Toe from 2010, showing a scantily clad woman posing on a city street at night, evokes Helmut Newton’s atmospheric photograph of a model wearing Yves St. Laurent’s Le Smoking jacket, shot for French Vogue in 1975.
Von Unwerth has published several books of her photographs, including Revenge, in 2003, and Fräulein, in 2009. Those volumes have been joined by one showcasing the photos of her series “Heimat,” in which she playfully combines visual tropes of traditional Bavarian life with her signature eroticism and wit. She is represented by several dealers, including the Staley-Wise Gallery, in New York, and Galerie Trabant, in Kitzbühel, Austria.
Find original Ellen von Unwerth photography on 1stDibs.
Ellen von Unwerth, Heimat Book & Art Edition Print ‘Spy Device’
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Welcome to Heimat An enchanted trip through Bavaria with Ellen von Unwerth Ellen von Unwerth’s puckish humor pervades the pages of Heimat, an enchanted tour around Bavaria. The reno...
Paper, C Print, Book
Price Upon Request
Supermodel Claudia Schiffer from the side, without top and bare back
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
Nude portrait of the supermodel under a sun shade - look from the side, without top and bare back Claudia Schiffer. The artwork is made and signed by the artist in a strictly limited...
Archival Pigment
Price Upon Request
Naughty Santa Limited Edition Archival Pigment Print, Signed
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
Naughty Santa, photographed by Ellen von Unwerth. All prints are limited edition. Available in multiple sizes. High-end framing on request. All prints are done and signed by the a...
Archival Pigment
Kisses: Signed Limited Edition Contemporary Print, 2015
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
Kisses, photographed by Ellen von Unwerth for her 'Heimat' Series in 2015. All prints are limited edition. Available in multiple sizes. High-end framing on request. All prints are...
Archival Pigment
The Cat - Heimat - Limited Edition Fine Art Photography
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
Available in multiple sizes. The Cat is a captivating work from Ellen von Unwerth’s Heimat series, in which the artist revisits Bavaria as a place of memory, myth, and sensual imagi...
Archival Pigment
Price Upon Request
Snowy Sled, Contemporary Archival Pigment Print, Signed, 2015
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
Snowy Sled, photographed by Ellen von Unwerth for her 'Heimat' Series in 2015. All prints are limited edition. Available in multiple sizes. High-end framing on request. All prints...
Archival Pigment
Fun in the snow I - Heimat, Fine Art Photography, 2015
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
Fun in the snow I, photographed by Ellen von Unwerth for her 'Heimat' Series in 2015. All prints are limited edition. Available in multiple sizes. High-end framing on request. All...
Archival Pigment
Fun in the snow IIII - Heimat, Fine Art Photography, 2015
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
Fun in the snow IIII, photographed by Ellen von Unwerth for her 'Heimat' Series in 2015. All prints are limited edition. Available in multiple sizes. High-end framing on request. ...
Archival Pigment
Fun in the snow II - Heimat, Fine Art Photography, 2015
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
Fun in the snow II, photographed by Ellen von Unwerth for her 'Heimat' Series in 2015. All prints are limited edition. Available in multiple sizes. High-end framing on request. Al...
Archival Pigment
Fun in the snow - Heimat, Fine Art Photography, 2015
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
Fun in the snow, photographed by Ellen von Unwerth for her 'Heimat' Series in 2015. All prints are limited edition. Available in multiple sizes. High-end framing on request. All p...
Archival Pigment
Price Upon Request
Cuddling Dog: Heimat Fine Art Photography, Archival Print, 2015
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
Cuddling dog, photographed by Ellen von Unwerth for her 'Heimat' Series in 2015. All prints are limited edition. Available in multiple sizes. High-end framing on request. All prin...
Archival Pigment
Fun in the snow III - Heimat, Fine Art Photography, 2015
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
Fun in the snow III, photographed by Ellen von Unwerth for her 'Heimat' Series in 2015. All prints are limited edition. Available in multiple sizes. High-end framing on request. A...
Archival Pigment
Price Upon Request
Madonna, Material Girl, Close-up, Fine Art Photography, Portrait
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
Ellen von Unwerth’s “Material Girl, Madonna” is a captivating portrait that celebrates one of popular culture’s most enduring icons through the lens of one of fashion photography’s m...
Archival Pigment
Price Upon Request
Untitled - colorful portrait of a model from behind wearing a corset
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
Untitled - colorful portrait of a model from behind wearing a corset Ellen von Unwerth is one of the most famous and influential photographers in the world. Her artistic achievements...
Archival Pigment
Price Upon Request
Kate Moss - the supermodel kneeling in front of a fridge holding a cucumber
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
High-end framing available on request. Ellen von Unwerth is one of the most famous and influential photographers in the world. Her artistic achievements have been honored with truly ...
Archival Pigment
Price Upon Request
Meow, Jessica Chastain - Color Portait with Lace Mask, Fine Art Photography
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
Portrait of the redhead actress and Oscar nominee wearing a lace hairband with cat ears in front of a turquoise/blue background. Ellen von Unwerth is one of the most famous and influ...
Archival Pigment
Price Upon Request
Kate Moss Smoking - b&w Nude Portrait of Supermodel, Fine Art Photography, 1996
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
All prints are limited edition. Available in multiple sizes. High-end framing on request. All prints are done and signed by the artist. The collector receives an additional certifica...
Archival Pigment
Price Upon Request
Peaches - Limited Edition Archival Pigment Print, Contemporary, Framed
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
Ellen von Unwerth is known for her erotic images, always playing with female sexuality, innocence, and the forbidden. Most of Unwerth's works portray their subjects as dominant, a po...
Archival Pigment
Price Upon Request
German Fries - Heimat Series - Limited Edition Fine Art Photography
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
Heimat by Ellen von Unwerth is a visually stunning exploration of Bavarian culture through a glamorous, playful, and provocative lens. Drawing inspiration from her upbringing in the ...
Archival Pigment
Price Upon Request
Naughty Santa, Fine Art Photography
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
Naughty Santa, photographed by Ellen von Unwerth. All prints are limited edition. Available in multiple sizes. High-end framing on request. All prints are done and signed by the a...
Archival Pigment
Fun in the snow - Heimat, Fine Art Photography, 2015
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
Fun in the snow, photographed by Ellen von Unwerth for her 'Heimat' Series in 2015. All prints are limited edition. Available in multiple sizes. High-end framing on request. All p...
Archival Pigment
Fun in the snow I - Heimat, Fine Art Photography, 2015
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
Fun in the snow I, photographed by Ellen von Unwerth for her 'Heimat' Series in 2015. All prints are limited edition. Available in multiple sizes. High-end framing on request. All...
Archival Pigment
Fun in the snow II - Heimat, Fine Art Photography, 2015
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
Fun in the snow II, photographed by Ellen von Unwerth for her 'Heimat' Series in 2015. All prints are limited edition. Available in multiple sizes. High-end framing on request. Al...
Archival Pigment
Fun in the snow III - Heimat, Fine Art Photography, 2015
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
Fun in the snow III, photographed by Ellen von Unwerth for her 'Heimat' Series in 2015. All prints are limited edition. Available in multiple sizes. High-end framing on request. A...
Archival Pigment
Fun in the snow IIII - Heimat, Fine Art Photography, 2015
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
Fun in the snow IIII, photographed by Ellen von Unwerth for her 'Heimat' Series in 2015. All prints are limited edition. Available in multiple sizes. High-end framing on request. ...
Archival Pigment
Cat on the back - Heimat, Fine Art Photography, 2015
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
Snowy Sled, photographed by Ellen von Unwerth for her 'Heimat' Series in 2015. All prints are limited edition. Available in multiple sizes. High-end framing on request. All prints...
Archival Pigment
Price Upon Request
Snowy Sled - Heimat, Fine Art Photography, 2015
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
Snowy Sled, photographed by Ellen von Unwerth for her 'Heimat' Series in 2015. All prints are limited edition. Available in multiple sizes. High-end framing on request. All prints...
Archival Pigment
Price Upon Request
Cuddling Dog - Heimat, Fine Art Photography, 2015
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
Cuddling dog, photographed by Ellen von Unwerth for her 'Heimat' Series in 2015. All prints are limited edition. Available in multiple sizes. High-end framing on request. All prin...
Archival Pigment
Price Upon Request
Kisses - Heimat, Fine Art Photography, 2015
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
Kisses, photographed by Ellen von Unwerth for her 'Heimat' Series in 2015. All prints are limited edition. Available in multiple sizes. High-end framing on request. All prints are...
Archival Pigment
Price Upon Request
Madonna - portrait of the star and icon of music
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
Madonna - portrait of the star and icon of music The artwork is made and signed by the artist in a limited edition of 3. It is framed high-end in a black hardwood box with 99% UV-res...
Archival Pigment
Price Upon Request
Untitled - colorful portrait of a model from behind wearing a corset
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
Untitled - colorful portrait of a model from behind wearing a corset Ellen von Unwerth is one of the most famous and influential photographers in the world. Her artistic achievements...
Archival Pigment
Price Upon Request
Penelope Cruz, Paris
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in New York, NY
This photograph is an edition of 15. All editions are signed by the photographer. Larger sizes may be available upon request.
Silver Gelatin
Price Upon Request
Sophia Loren, New York
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in New York, NY
This photograph is an edition of 15. All editions are signed by the photographer. Larger sizes may be available upon request.
Silver Gelatin
Price Upon Request
Mask: Nadja Auermann, VOGUE UK, Paris
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in New York, NY
This photograph is an edition of 7. All editions are signed by the photographer. Larger sizes may be available upon request.
Silver Gelatin
Price Upon Request
Kate Moss Shopping - Supermodel in front of a fridge, Fine Art Photography, 1995
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
All prints are limited edition. Available in multiple sizes. High-end framing on request. All prints are done and signed by the artist. The collector receives an additional certifica...
Archival Pigment
Price Upon Request
Supermodel Claudia Schiffer from the side, without top and bare back
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
Nude portrait of the supermodel under a sun shade - look from the side, without top and bare back Claudia Schiffer. The artwork is made and signed by the artist in a strictly limited...
Archival Pigment
Price Upon Request
Gaga Incognito
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in New York, NY
All editions signed by the photographer.
Price Upon Request
Gaga
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in New York, NY
All editions signed by the photographer.
Price Upon Request
Kate Moss - the supermodel kneeling in front of a fridge holding a cucumber
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
High-end framing available on request. Ellen von Unwerth is one of the most famous and influential photographers in the world. Her artistic achievements have been honored with truly ...
Archival Pigment
Price Upon Request
Meow, Jessica Chastain - Color Portait with Lace Mask, Fine Art Photography
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
Portrait of the redhead actress and Oscar nominee wearing a lace hairband with cat ears in front of a turquoise/blue background. Ellen von Unwerth is one of t...
Archival Pigment
Price Upon Request
Kate Moss Smoking - b&w Nude Portrait of Supermodel, Fine Art Photography, 1996
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
All prints are limited edition. Available in multiple sizes. High-end framing on request. All prints are done and signed by the artist. The collector receives an additional certifica...
Archival Pigment