Alexey Brodovitch. Photo by Benedict J. Fernandez. © 2006 Benedict J. Fernandez.
19
1898
born in Ogolitchi, Russian Empire (now part of Belarus)
20
emigrates to Paris
28
starts his own design agency L’Atellier A.B.
Madelios sports catalogue. Paris, 1929. Designed by Alexey Brodovitch, photo by Maurice Tabard.
30
relocates to the U.S. to head the Advertising Design Department of the Pennsylvania Museum
34
58
art director at Harper’s Bazaar
Cover of the November 1950 issue of Harper's Bazaar. Designed by Alexey Brodovitch. Photo via RIT Library. © The Hearst Corporation.
41
66
teaches Design Laboratory classes in New York
Alexey Brodovitch considering a layout for Harper's Bazaar.
45
publishes Ballet photobook
Alexey Brodovitch, Le Thor, France, 1968. Photographed by Tony Ray-Jones. Photo via SSPL / Getty Images.
71
dies in France aged 73
the public is being spoiled by good quality photographs in magazines, on television, in movies, and has become bored. the disease of our age is this boredom and a good photographer must successfully fight it. the only way to do this is by invention and by surprise.
—alexey brodovitch
Alexey Brodovitch, 1951. Photographic Archive of the Museum of Modern Art Archives, New York.
nobleman who escaped to the front
Alexey Brodovitch was born to a wealthy family of Russian noblemen, his mother an amateur painter and his father a psychiatrist. After the Russo-Japanese War, the Brodovitchs moved to Russia. Alexey was enrolled at a prestigious institution in St. Petersburg aiming to join the State Academy of Arts later. Aged 16, he tried to join the Russian armed forces as a volunteer, but his father brought him back. Alexey ran away on several occasions and was eventually sent to an officers’ school.
Alexey Brodovitch before leaving Russia. Author unknown.
i'm a can-opener. —alexey brodovitch about discovering talent in his students
Alexey Brodovitch, 1961. Gelatin silver print. Photo by Lida Moser. National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution.