Skip to main content

Ellen von Unwerth Photography

German, b. 1954

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.

to
11
124
4
106
56
Overall Width
to
Overall Height
to
66
252
2
59
164
188
105
4
318
287
132
123
79
65
55
52
42
35
31
28
26
26
23
22
20
19
18
14
176
174
50
49
21
330
7,718
4,944
2,504
1,289
5
132
222
107
Artist: Ellen von Unwerth
White Fur, New York, 2018
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in New York, NY
Signed by the photographer on label of authenticity
Category

2010s Ellen von Unwerth Photography

Materials

Archival Pigment

I Do It My Way, New York, 1995
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in New York, NY
Signed by the photographer on label of authenticity
Category

1990s Ellen von Unwerth Photography

Materials

Archival Paper

Christy Turlington & Linda Evangelista - Fine Art Photography
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
Two Models, black and white, Christy Turlington and Linda Evangelista on a boat, photographed by Ellen von Unwerth. All prints are limited edition. Available in multiple sizes. High...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Ellen von Unwerth Photography

Materials

Archival Pigment

Leilani Bishop, tennis Club, Vogue Italia, Fine Art Photography, 1994
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
Leilani Bishop, Tennis Club, for Vogue Italia, tying her heel photographed by Ellen von Unwerth, 1994. All prints are limited edition. Available in multiple sizes. High-end framing ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Ellen von Unwerth Photography

Materials

Archival Pigment

Luxury Gym, Nadja Auermann, Miami, Fine Art Photography, 1994
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
Luxury Gym, Nadja Auermann, Miami, photographed by Ellen von Unwerth, 1994. All prints are limited edition. Available in multiple sizes. High-end framing on request. All prints are...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Ellen von Unwerth Photography

Materials

Archival Pigment

Bathtub, Naomi Campbell and Kate Moss, Fine Art Photography, 1996
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell in a Bathtub, photographed by Ellen von Unwerth in 1992. All prints are limited edition. Available in multip...
Category

2010s Contemporary Ellen von Unwerth Photography

Materials

Archival Pigment

Got Milk, Heimat, Fine Art Photography, 2015
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
Three women licking a Candy Apple, photographed by Ellen von Unwerth for her 'Heimat' Series in 2015. All prints are limited edition. Available in multiple sizes. High-end framing o...
Category

2010s Contemporary Ellen von Unwerth Photography

Materials

Archival Pigment

Eva Herzigova for Vogue Italia - Fine Art Photography, 1992
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
Eva Herzigova for Vogue Italia 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...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Ellen von Unwerth Photography

Materials

Archival Pigment

Claudia Schiffer for Guess, Fine Art Photography, 1989
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
Claudia Schiffer for Guess by Ellen von Unwerth, 1989. All prints are limited edition. Available in multiple sizes. High-end framing on request. All prints are done and signed by t...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Ellen von Unwerth Photography

Materials

Archival Pigment

Gisele Bündchen, Fine Art Photography, 2004
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
Gisele Bündchen, St. Tropez by Ellen von Unwerth, 2004 All prints are limited edition. Available in multiple sizes. High-end framing on request. All prints are done and signed by t...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Ellen von Unwerth Photography

Materials

Archival Pigment

Isabella Rossellini, Portrait - Fine Art Photography, 1992
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
Actress Isabella Rossellini, black and white portrait by Ellen von Unwerth. All prints are limited edition. Available in multiple sizes. High-end framing on request. All prints are...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Ellen von Unwerth Photography

Materials

Archival Pigment

Brilliance, The Story of Olga, Fine Art Photography, 2010-12
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
Black and white photography of baroque interior and Semi Nude Modl by the extraordinary Ellen Von Unwerth for her Photo Series The Story of Olga. All prints are limited edition. Ava...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Ellen von Unwerth Photography

Materials

Archival Pigment

Four girls in bed, Heimat, Fine Art Photography, 2015
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
Four Girls in bed in a traditional mountain cabin, Photographed by Ellen von Unwerth in 2015 for her ‘Heimat’ Series. All prints are limited edition. Available in multiple sizes. H...
Category

2010s Contemporary Ellen von Unwerth Photography

Materials

Archival Pigment

Kate Moss, taking a bath, Fine Art Photography
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
Kate Moss in a bathtub 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 b...
Category

Late 20th Century Contemporary Ellen von Unwerth Photography

Materials

Archival Pigment

Kate Moss, Reading, US Vogue, Fine Art Photography
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
Kate Moss reading for the US Vogue photographed by Ellen von Unwerth. All prints are limited edition. Available in multiple sizes. High-end framing on request. All prints are done ...
Category

Late 20th Century Contemporary Ellen von Unwerth Photography

Materials

Archival Pigment

Beauties and the beast, Heimat series, Fine Art Photography, 2015
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
Three women wrestling with a bear photographed by Ellen von Unwerth for her 'Heimat' Series in 2015. All prints are limited edition. Available in multiple sizes. High-end framing on...
Category

2010s Contemporary Ellen von Unwerth Photography

Materials

Archival Pigment

Lick This - Three Models with a Candy Apple, Heimat, Fine Art Photography, 2015
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
Three women licking a Candy Apple, photographed by Ellen von Unwerth for her 'Heimat' Series in 2015. All prints are limited edition. Available in multiple sizes. High-end framing o...
Category

2010s Contemporary Ellen von Unwerth Photography

Materials

Archival Pigment

Heimat 128 - Models in Lederhosen playing in snow, Fine Art Photography 2015
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
Two Women in traditional German dress playing in the snow, photographed by Ellen von Unwerth in 2015 for her ‘Heimat’ Series. All prints are limited edition. Available in multiple ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Ellen von Unwerth Photography

Materials

Archival Pigment

Sleigh Play - Models in Lederhosen playing in snow, Fine Art Photography 2015
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
Two Women in traditional German dress playing in the snow, photographed by Ellen von Unwerth in 2015 for her ‘Heimat’ Series. All prints are limited edition. Available in multiple ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Ellen von Unwerth Photography

Materials

Archival Pigment

Untitled for 7000 Magazine, Close-up, Paris, Fine Art Photography
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
Untitled for 7000 Magazine, Paris 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 ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Ellen von Unwerth Photography

Materials

Archival Pigment

Madonna, Material Girl, Close-up, Fine Art Photography
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
Madonna, Material Girl, close-up of the popstar by Ellen von Unwerth. All prints are limited edition. Available in multiple sizes. High-end framing on request. All prints are done ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Ellen von Unwerth Photography

Materials

Archival Pigment

Bienvenue - Christina Aguilera, Close-up, Fine Art Photography, 2004
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 certi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Ellen von Unwerth Photography

Materials

Archival Pigment

Claudia Schiffer, Pisa 1989 for Guess Jeans - Fine Art Photography, 1989
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
Claudia Schiffer in a black bathing suit, standing on the back of a bike. Photographed by Ellen von Unwerth for Guess in Pisa in 1989. All prints are limited edition. Available in m...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Ellen von Unwerth Photography

Materials

Archival Pigment

Guess Who, Claudia Schiffer for Guess, Nashville I - Fine Art Photography, 1989
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
Claudia Schiffer in jeans and a white bra. Photographed by Ellen von Unwerth for the 'Guess Who' Campaign in 1989. All prints are limited edition. Available in multiple sizes. High-...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Ellen von Unwerth Photography

Materials

Archival Pigment

Bojana Panic - Model in a coat sitting at the beach, Fine Art Photography, 2015
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 certific...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Ellen von Unwerth Photography

Materials

Archival Pigment

Guess Who, Claudia Schiffer for Guess, Nashville - Fine Art Photography, 1989
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
Claudia Schiffer in jeans and bra, standing on a car. Photographed by Ellen von Unwerth for the 'Guess Who' Campaign in 1989. All prints are limited edition. Available in multiple s...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Ellen von Unwerth Photography

Materials

Archival Pigment

Claudia Schiffer for the 30th Anniversary of Guess - Fine Art Photography, 2012
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
Claudia Schiffer in a jeans dress, sitting in a restaurant with a glass of wine. Photographed by Ellen von Unwerth for the 'Guess 30th Anniversary' Campaign in 2012. All prints are ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Ellen von Unwerth Photography

Materials

Archival Pigment

Claudia Schiffer for Guess, Morocco - Fine Art Photography, 1989
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
Claudia Schiffer in a polka-dot shirt, sitting in a car. Photographed by Ellen von Unwerth for Guess in Morocco in 1989. All prints are limited edition. Available in multiple sizes....
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Ellen von Unwerth Photography

Materials

Archival Pigment

Ellen von Unwerth, The Story of Olga
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
Black and white photography by the extraordinary Ellen Von Unwerth for her photo series The Story of Olga. All prints are limited edition. Available in multiple sizes. High-end fram...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Ellen von Unwerth Photography

Materials

Archival Pigment

Phone Sex - Milla Jovovic on a Bed with a Phone, Fine Art Photography, 2019
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
Milla Jovovic lying on a bed wearing a transparent blouse, black underwear and heels, sticking her tongue out towards the phone she is holding, photographed by Ellen von Unwerth in 1...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Ellen von Unwerth Photography

Materials

Archival Pigment

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 multip...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Ellen von Unwerth Photography

Materials

Archival Pigment

Oktoberfest - Two Models holding gingerbread hearts, Fine Art Photography, 2015
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
Two Models in traditional German dress stand inbetween Carousels holding gingerbread hearts, photographed by Ellen von Unwerth in 2015 for her ‘Heimat’ Series. All prints are limit...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Ellen von Unwerth Photography

Materials

Archival Pigment

Musikantenstadl - Women in Dirndl playing Instruments, Fine Art Photography 2015
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
Four Women in traditional German dress playing traditional Instruments, photographed by Ellen von Unwerth in 2015 for her ‘Heimat’ Series. All prints are limited edition. Available...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Ellen von Unwerth Photography

Materials

Archival Pigment

Bierkrüge - Model in Drindl holding three Beer Mugs, Fine Art Photography 2015
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
Women in traditional German dress holding three beer mugs, photographed by Ellen von Unwerth in 2015 for her ‘Heimat’ Series. All prints are limited edition. Available in multiple ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Ellen von Unwerth Photography

Materials

Archival Pigment

Balkony - Four Models in Dirndl blowing Kisses, Fine Art Photography 2015
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
Four Women in traditional German dress playing traditional Instruments, photographed by Ellen von Unwerth in 2015 for her ‘Heimat’ Series. All prints are limited edition. Available...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Ellen von Unwerth Photography

Materials

Archival Pigment

The Big Catch - Two Models in Dirndl Fishing, Fine Art Photography, 2015
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
Two Models in traditional German dress stand in a boat on a lake pulling a fish out of the water, photographed by Ellen von Unwerth in 2015 for her ‘Heimat’ Series. All prints are ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Ellen von Unwerth Photography

Materials

Archival Pigment

Christy Turlington & Linda Evangelista, Vogue Italy - Fine Art Photography, 1990
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
Two Models stretching their legs in black tights into the air, lying on sunbeds at the beach, photographed by Ellen von Unwerth for Vogue Italia in 1990. All prints are limited edit...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Ellen von Unwerth Photography

Materials

Archival Pigment

Parasol - Nude Portrait of Topmodel Claudia Schiffer, Fine Art Photography, 1990
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
Nude black and white Portrait of Topmodel Claudia Schiffer, photographed by Ellen von Unwerth in Deauville in 1990. All prints are limited edition. Available in multiple sizes. High...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Ellen von Unwerth Photography

Materials

Archival Pigment

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...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Ellen von Unwerth Photography

Materials

Archival Pigment

Champagne O'Clock - Nude in Heels in Mirrored Hall, Fine Art Photography, 2016
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
Nude black and white Portrait of Topmodel Claudia Schiffer, photographed by Ellen von Unwerth in Deauville in 1990. All prints are limited edition. Available in multiple sizes. High...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Ellen von Unwerth Photography

Materials

Archival Pigment

Claudia Schiffer for Guess - Portrait in Lace Top, Fine Art Photography, 1989
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
A black-and-white Portrait of model Claudia Schiffer in a black lace corset, photographed by Ellen von Unwerth for Guess in 1989. All prints are limited edition. Available in multip...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Ellen von Unwerth Photography

Materials

Archival Pigment

Big in America - Semi Nude with Vintage Chevrolet, Fine Art Photography, 1989
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
Topmodel Claudia Schiffer in lingerie, sitting on the rear of a red Chevrolet Bel Air Sedan from 1959, photographed by Ellen von Unwerth in 1989. All prints are limited edition. Ava...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Ellen von Unwerth Photography

Materials

Archival Pigment

Intermission, Linda Evangelista & Christy Turlington, Cannes
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in New York, NY
Unsigned
Category

1990s Ellen von Unwerth Photography

Materials

Color

Christy Turlington, VOGUE
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in New York, NY
Edition of 15 Signed by the photographer on the verso
Category

1990s Ellen von Unwerth Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Again?, New York
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in New York, NY
Edition of 15 Signed by the photographer on the verso
Category

1990s Ellen von Unwerth Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Claudia Schiffer for Guess - Model in Leopard Print, Fine Art Photography, 1989
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in Vienna, AT
Claudia Schiffer in a leopard print blouse, sitting on a bed. Photographed by Ellen von Unwerth for Guess in Morocco in 1990. All prints are limited edition. Available in multiple s...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Ellen von Unwerth Photography

Materials

Archival Pigment

Invitation Only, Paris, 2007
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in New York, NY
Signed by the photographer on a label of authenticity
Category

Early 2000s Ellen von Unwerth Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Revival, from the Story of Olga - nude on pink sofa, fine art photography, 2011
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 certificate of authenticity from the gallery. "Revival, From the Story of Olga" by Ellen von Unwerth is a dreamy color fine art print that presents a scene of opulent decadence and sensuality, drawing viewers into the captivating world of Olga. Olga reclines on a sumptuous pink chaise lounge...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Ellen von Unwerth Photography

Materials

Archival Pigment

Bretzel, Bavaria, 2015
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in New York, NY
Signed by the photographer
Category

2010s Ellen von Unwerth Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper

Hands On Deck, Cannes, 2019
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in New York, NY
Signed by the Photographer
Category

2010s Ellen von Unwerth Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper

Carmin, Paris, 2003
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in New York, NY
Signed by the photographer
Category

Early 2000s Ellen von Unwerth Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper

Bees Do It, Paris, 2012
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in New York, NY
signed by the photographer
Category

2010s Ellen von Unwerth Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper

Boss Bitch, Berlin, 2011
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in New York, NY
signed by the photographer
Category

2010s Ellen von Unwerth Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper

The Pinch, Paris, 2008
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in New York, NY
signed by the photographer
Category

Early 2000s Ellen von Unwerth Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper

Swanky Panky, New York, 2011
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in New York, NY
signed by the photographer
Category

2010s Ellen von Unwerth Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper

Danger Kitty!: Zoë Kravitz, New York, 2022
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in New York, NY
signed by the photographer
Category

2010s Ellen von Unwerth Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper

Mardi Gras, New Orleans, 1998
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in New York, NY
Signed by the photographer
Category

1990s Ellen von Unwerth Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper

Games, New York, 2013
By Ellen von Unwerth
Located in New York, NY
signed by the photographer
Category

2010s Ellen von Unwerth Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper

Ellen Von Unwerth photography for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a wide variety of authentic Ellen von Unwerth photography available for sale on 1stDibs. If you’re browsing the collection of photography to introduce a pop of color in a neutral corner of your living room or bedroom, you can find work that includes elements of orange, red, blue and other colors. You can also browse by medium to find art by Ellen von Unwerth in pigment print, archival pigment print, silver gelatin print and more. Much of the original work by this artist or collective was created during the 21st century and contemporary and is mostly associated with the contemporary style. Not every interior allows for large Ellen von Unwerth photography, so small editions measuring 12 inches across are available. Customers who are interested in this artist might also find the work of Frank Schott, Joachim Schmeisser, and Guido Argentini.

Recently Viewed

View All