Biography

Frederick Sommer was an Italian-born American photographer and artist, recognized for his innovative contributions to the field of photography. Born on September 7, 1905, in Angri, Italy, he grew up in Brazil before moving to the United States, where he became a naturalized citizen in 1939. Sommer initially pursued a career in landscape architecture, earning a master's degree from Cornell University. However, his artistic journey took a significant turn in the early 1930s when he began experimenting with photography, particularly after being diagnosed with tuberculosis. Sommer's work is celebrated for its exploration of unconventional subjects and techniques. He utilized an 8×10 Century Universal Camera to capture a wide range of subjects, including still lifes, landscapes, and nudes. His photographs are noted for their compositional elegance and often abstract qualities, drawing comparisons to the works of Ansel Adams. Sommer's artistic circle included notable figures such as Edward Weston and Max Ernst, and his work was instrumental in the founding of the Center for Creative Photography in Tucson, Arizona. Sommer's legacy is preserved through his extensive archive and the continued representation by the Frederick & Frances Sommer Foundation. His work remains highly regarded for its artistic depth and innovative approach, making it a significant part of American photographic history.