We are thrilled to announce the opening of “The World of Yousuf Karsh: A Private Essence” at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts.

After a gift to the MMFA by Estrellita Karsh of more than 100 original silver gelatin prints, the exhibition will feature renowned images of political figures, including Fidel Castro, Winston Churchill, William Lyon Mackenzie King, Nelson Mandela, Eleanor Roosevelt and Pierre Elliott Trudeau. Adding to them will be Karsh’s compelling portraits of influential figures of theatre, film, music, the visual arts and literature, as well as outstanding scientists and spiritual leaders of the 20th century. “A Private Essence” will also display Karsh’s immortalized images of the cowboys, farmers, steelworkers and icons of culture and artistic achievement who embody the integrity of the Canadian spirit.

The exhibition will trace the chronology of the artist’s life and stylistic development and the evolving world history he so brilliantly documented. Many photographs are accompanied by short texts quoting from the artist’s own recorded impressions and thoughts on his subjects during his sessions.