The renowned Austrian photographer Erich Lessing offers a genuine glimpse into Cretan society in 1955 through his photographs. Traveling across the island from one end to the other, Lessing used his distinctive sensitivity and keen eye to document everyday people and moments of daily life.
With unparalleled skill, he highlighted a Crete that would soon undergo dramatic change in the decades to come. His images introduced our island to much of the world, as many of these photographs appeared in various photographic albums he published.
Born in Vienna in 1923 to a Jewish family, Lessing fled to Israel with his family in 1939 as the Nazis rose to power—though his mother remained behind and tragically died at Auschwitz. In 1947, Lessing became a member of the Associated Press, and in 1951, David Seymour invited him to join Magnum Photos, where he became a full member in 1955.
His work appeared in prestigious magazines such as Life, Paris Match, Picture Post, and others. Lessing famously chronicled political transformations in post-war Europe, especially in communist countries. During the 1960s, he shifted his focus to other subjects, including art and science. His photographs have been published in more than forty photo albums.
In addition to his photography, Lessing was a prolific author, publishing over 60 books that were released in many countries.
Erich Lessing passed away in August 2018.
