The Body Observed

Featuring works from the 1930s to the contemporary, The Body Observed explores how Magnum photographers have turned their lens to the body, presenting works that examine a range of subjects from identity, intimacy, sexuality and ritual, to voyeurism and performance, among others.

USA. 1959. American actress Marilyn Monroe jumping with Philippe Halsman. Gelatin silver print, 8-5/8" × 13" (21.9 cm × 33 cm), image 11" × 14" (27.9 cm × 35.6 cm), paper © Philippe Halsman/Magnum Photos

USA. 1955. Dutch actress Audrey Hepburn. Gelatin silver print, 8-5/8" × 13" (21.9 cm × 33 cm), image 11" × 14" (27.9 cm × 35.6 cm), paper © Philippe Halsman/Magnum Photos

The body is not a thing, it is a situation: it is our grasp on the world and our sketch of our project

Simone de Beauvoir
FRANCE. Paris. 1936. The Tuileries gardens. Theseus and the Minotaur. Gelatin silver print, 8-5/8" × 13" (21.9 cm × 33 cm), image 11" × 14" (27.9 cm × 35.6 cm), paper © Herbert List/Magnum Photos

SWITZERLAND. Zurich. "Zebra woman". 1942. Gelatin silver print, 8-5/8" × 13" (21.9 cm × 33 cm), image 11" × 14" (27.9 cm × 35.6 cm), paper © Werner Bischof/Magnum Photos

Stay in touch
Monthly updates on the latest assignments, photographer projects and collaborations with brands.
Know when our quarterly 7-day square print sale is coming.
Learn about online and offline exhibitions, photography fairs, gallery events, plus fine print news and activities, on a monthly basis.
Get fortnightly tips and advice articles, find out about the latest workshops, free online events and on-demand courses.
Be the first to know about recent Magnum Shop drops. From new books and limited editions, to special offers, you can find it all on the weekly Magnum Shop newsletter.
Stay up to date every Thursday with Magnum photographers’ activities, new work, stories published on the Magnum website, and the latest offerings from our shop.