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.
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Bullit, Christy Turlingon and Linda Evangelista for Vogue Italia
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
In 1990, photographer Ellen von Unwerth captured an iconic series of images featuring supermodels Christy Turlington and Linda Evangelista in Cannes, France. Published in the July 19...
Archival Pigment
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The Big Catch - Heimat Series - Limited Edition Fine Art Photography
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
Multiple sizes available. Ellen von Unwerth’s "The Big Catch" is a joyful and cinematic image from the artist’s acclaimed Heimat series, a body of work in which von Unwerth returns ...
Archival Pigment
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Luxury Gym, Nadja Auermann - Limited Edition Fine Art Photography
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
Available in multiple sizes. In Luxury Gym, Nadja Auermann, Miami, 1994, Ellen von Unwerth creates a striking image of athletic glamour, poolside elegance, and 1990s fashion fantasy...
Archival Pigment
Kristina Romanova - Limited Edition Fine Art Photography
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
Available in multiple sizes. Ellen von Unwerth’s Kristina Romanova, 2018 presents a luminous vision of beauty, strength, and quiet seduction against a rugged coastal landscape. The ...
Archival Pigment
Heimat #341 - Limited Edition Fine Art Photography
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
fashion, cinematic storytelling, and empowered femininity. The bold contrast, saturated reds, and lush garden setting create a visually magnetic work that speaks to collectors of con...
Archival Pigment
Heimat #272 - Limited Edition Fine Art Photography
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
Multiple sizes available. A radiant celebration of freedom, femininity, and pastoral sensuality. This artwork belongs to the artist’s celebrated Heimat series, a body of work in whi...
Archival Pigment
Price Upon Request
Bitch! Paris - Fräulein Series - Limited Edition Fine Art Photography
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
Multiple sizes available. Ellen von Unwerth’s Bitch! Paris, from the Series "Fräulein" is a vivid expression of the artist’s unmistakable visual language: provocative, glamorous, ir...
Archival Pigment
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Delicacies - Model in Lingerie with Sweets, Fine Art Photography, 2019
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
Closeup of a Model in vintage Lingerie standing in a kitchen next to Cakes and Sweets, photographed by Ellen von Unwerth in 2019. All prints are limited edition. Available in multipl...
Archival Pigment
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Madonna, Material Girl II, Portriat, Fine Art Photography, Pop Icon
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
Ellen von Unwerth’s Madonna, Material Girl II is a dazzling portrait of performance, seduction, and pop-cultural glamour. Set within a rich red interior, the image features dramatic ...
Archival Pigment
Kate Moss Shopping II, Paris, Fine Art Photography, 1995
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
Other sizes and high end framing on request. Kate Moss has starred in Unwerth’s works numerous times, and together, they have been creating some of the most iconic images of the ‘90s...
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Above 40 - Semi Nude with Corset and Popsicle, Fine Art Photography, 2014
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
Semi nude of a blonde model in black and white lingerie with corset in yellow interior, photographed by Ellen von Unwerth in 2014. 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 certificate of authenticity from the gallery. With this image, Ellen von Unwerth took the saying "a beautiful rear can also endear" literally. The Model in black-and-white lingerie, corset, and stockings has her back turned towards the camera. She is leaning against a white doorframe set against yellow-golden walls and holding a pink popsicle above her head. Details like the animal print rug...
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Claudia Schiffer - Hells Angels, Bike Polaroid, Fine Art Photography, 1989
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
Claudia Schiffer on a motorbike, photographed by Ellen von Unwerth. All prints are limited edition. Available in multiple sizes. High-end framing on request. All prints are done an...
Archival Pigment
Price Upon Request
Revival, From the Story of Olga - Limited Edition Fine Art Photography
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
Available in multiple sizes. Revival, from The Story of Olga is a lush and theatrical photograph that showcases Ellen von Unwerth’s talent for building seductive narrative worlds. ...
Archival Pigment
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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
Price Upon Request
Little Beast 2, Story of Olga, Fine Art Photography
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
Provocative picture of two disguised models in rose underwear and with bunny ears on a sofa. Ellen von Unwerth is one of the most famous and influential photographers in the world. H...
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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
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 - 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 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 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
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
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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 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
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...
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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
Morning Beauty (Claudia Schiffer) Archival Pigment Print, 21st Century
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
A portrait of this famous supermodel with open blond long hair- posing in front of a window, covered with a pink curtain. Ellen von Unwerth is one of the most famous and influential ...
Archival Pigment
Price Upon Request
Little Beast - Model Posing in Pink Latex Dress, High Heels, and Bunny Ears
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
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
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Squeeze and Shape - Heimat Series - Limited Edition Fine Art Photography
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
Playful, provocative, and unapologetically bold, “Squeeze and Shape” captures Ellen von Unwerth’s unmistakable celebration of feminine confidence and theatrical glamour. Set against ...
Archival Pigment
Price Upon Request
Sangria Limited Edition Archival Pigment Print, Contemporary, Framed
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
Two women cuddled up in a bathtub full of strawberries - Ellen von Unwerth's visual language is unmistakable. With the perfect balance of innocence and sex, beautiful women, and prov...
Archival Pigment
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Freshly Bloomed - Heimat series - Limited Edition Fine Art Photography
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
“Freshly Bloomed” by Ellen von Unwerth is a vibrant and exuberant celebration of femininity, color, and playful sensuality. Captured in von Unwerth’s unmistakable high-energy style, ...
Archival Pigment
Price Upon Request
Banana Boat - Heimat Series - Limited Edition Fine Art Photography
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
Available in multiple sizes. Ellen von Unwerth embarks on a nostalgically playful photographic journey through her Bavarian homeland in her series' Heimat.' Amidst the picturesque s...
Archival Pigment
Price Upon Request
Intermission, Linda Evangelista & Christy Turlington, Cannes
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in New York, NY
Unsigned
Color
Price Upon Request
Bretzel, Bavaria, 2015
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in New York, NY
Signed by the photographer
Photographic Paper
Price Upon Request
Hands On Deck, Cannes, 2019
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in New York, NY
Signed by the Photographer
Photographic Paper
Price Upon Request
Eyes Wide Open, Paris, 2015
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in New York, NY
Signed by the photographer
Photographic Paper
Price Upon Request
Diablo: Cara Delevigne, Los Angeles, 2015
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in New York, NY
Signed by the photographer
Photographic Paper
Price Upon Request
Queen, New York, 2018
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in New York, NY
Signed by the photographer
Photographic Paper
Price Upon Request
Bird, Los Angeles, 2018
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in New York, NY
Signed by the photographer
Photographic Paper
Price Upon Request
Trippy: Amilna Estevao and Alton Mason, New York, 2017
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in New York, NY
Signed by the photographer
Photographic Paper
Price Upon Request
I Do It My Way, New York, 1995
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in New York, NY
Signed by the photographer
Photographic Paper
Jardin du Luxembourg: Deon Bray and Karen Mulder, Paris, 1991
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in New York, NY
Signed by the photographer
Photographic Paper
Afterparty: Dioni Tabbers and Hana Jirickova, Los Angeles, 2011
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in New York, NY
Signed by the photographer
Photographic Paper
Price Upon Request
Kate Moss and Karl Lagerfeld, Paris, 1996
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in New York, NY
signed by the photographer
Photographic Paper
Price Upon Request
David Bowie and Kate Moss, New York, 2003
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in New York, NY
Signed by the photographer
Photographic Paper
Price Upon Request
Second Skin: Anton Thiemke, Milan, 2022
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in New York, NY
Signed by the photographer
Photographic Paper
Price Upon Request
Fallen Party Angel, Paris, 2012
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in New York, NY
Signed by the photographer
Photographic Paper
Price Upon Request
Heidi, Kitzbuhel, 2003
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in New York, NY
Signed by the photographer
Photographic Paper
Price Upon Request
Bye Bye Paris: Olya Ivanisevic, Paris, 2006
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in New York, NY
Signed by the photographer
Photographic Paper
Price Upon Request
Emma de Caunes, French Playboy, 2009
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in New York, NY
Signed by the photographer
Photographic Paper
Price Upon Request
Joy, New York, 2012
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in New York, NY
Signed by the photographer
Photographic Paper
Price Upon Request
POP Princess, London, 2012
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in New York, NY
Signed by the photographer
Photographic Paper
Price Upon Request
Intermission: Linda Evangelista and Christy Turlington, Cannes, 1990
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in New York, NY
Signed by the Photographer
Photographic Paper
Price Upon Request
Tête-à-Tête, Paris, 2008
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in New York, NY
Signed by the photographer
Photographic Paper
Price Upon Request
Tête-à-tête, VOGUE Gioiello
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in New York, NY
Signed by the photographer
Photographic Paper
Price Upon Request
Deep Down in Chinatown, New York
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in New York, NY
Fuji Crystal Archival Print. Signed by the photographer. Additional sizes may be available upon request.
Photographic Paper
Price Upon Request
Booh!, New York (Metrograph Cinema)
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in New York, NY
Signed by the photographer
C Print
Price Upon Request
Bye Bye Paris, Paris
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in New York, NY
Signed by the photographer
C Print
Price Upon Request
Bubbly II, Paris
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in New York, NY
Signed by the photographer
C Print
Price Upon Request
Choker, Prague
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in New York, NY
Signed by the photographer
C Print