Saul Leiter: Early Color

“Early Color” is a reissue of Saul Leiter’s groundbreaking collection of color photography, originally published in 2008. This edition brings Leiter’s remarkable body of work back into the spotlight, presenting it in book form for a new generation of audiences to appreciate.

While some of Leiter’s color photography had been exhibited by Edward Steichen at The Museum of Modern Art in 1953, it remained relatively unknown until the publication of “Early Color.” Leiter initially moved to New York in 1946 with aspirations of becoming a painter. However, his friendship with Richard Pousette-Dart led him to recognize the artistic potential of photography. Despite continuing to paint and exhibit alongside notable artists like Philip Guston and Willem de Kooning, Leiter found that the camera became his primary means of capturing life in the bustling metropolis.

Leiter’s body of work stands apart from that of his contemporaries, such as Helen Levitt, in its unique and subtle compositions. His photographs often feature abstract and lyrical compositions, characterized by their eloquent use of color. Through Leiter’s lens, everyday scenes are transformed into moments of visual poetry, inviting viewers to see the world through a new perspective.

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