James Dean (from the Torn Sweater Series), 1954

Roy Schatt's photographs of James Dean are among the most celebrated celebrity portraits of the twentieth century. Created on 29 December 1954 as part of the Torn Sweater Series, the photographs were commissioned for Life magazine but were never published. Instead, they became the defining photographic record of James Dean at the beginning of the remarkable career that would make him a cultural icon.

Taken just months before the release of East of Eden and Rebel Without a Cause in 1955, this portrait captures Dean before international fame transformed him into one of Hollywood's most enduring legends.

This silver print was produced circa 1970 from Schatt's original 1954 negative and bears the photographer's ink signature together with three photographer's stamps on the reverse, confirming it as a lifetime print.

Schatt's portraits are admired for their honesty and immediacy. Rather than presenting carefully staged glamour photographs, they reveal a natural and thoughtful James Dean whose influence on film and popular culture continues to resonate decades later.

Medium: Silver print (printed c.1970)

Date of image: 29 December 1954

Signature: Photographer's ink signature on reverse

Authentication: Three photographer's stamps on reverse

Image: 18.5 × 23.5 cm

Sheet: 20 × 25.5 cm

Size 37cm x 33cm Framed with UV70 Glass