Werner Mantz: The Perfect Eye

Werner Mantz (1901-1983) was a prominent architectural and industrial photographer who began his career in the 1920s. This monograph showcases his immense versatility, with over 300 predominantly vintage images, ranging from architectural photography to portraits, industry, and more. His work is considered a significant contribution to the canon of international photography.

Format: Hardback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 20 December 2022
Publisher: Cannibal/Hannibal Publishers

Werner Mantz, a renowned architectural and industrial photographer, embarked on his career in the 1920s. His exceptional work holds a unique historical position, distinguished by his distinctive visual language, technical mastery, and masterful use of natural light. As a prominent figure in the New Building movement, Mantz's oeuvre seamlessly connects the often-anonymous realm of commissioned photography with the modernist and artistic avant-garde movements of the interwar years, including the influential Bauhaus. In the 1970s, Mantz was even hailed as the "missing link" in the history of international photography. To date, only thematic selections from Mantz's vast and diverse body of work have been showcased. This groundbreaking monograph aims to rectify that by presenting, for the very first time, his immense versatility.
Werner Mantz – The Perfect Eye presents a staggering collection of over 300 predominantly vintage images, encompassing a wide range of subjects. These include architectural photography, advertising shots, captivating portraits of adults and children, insightful views of industry and mines, religious subjects, bustling shops, delectable restaurants, and inviting interiors. Additionally, the book showcases captivating road photographs, public spaces, breathtaking landscapes, and travel photographs that capture the essence of various destinations. It is without a doubt that Mantz's oeuvre stands as a testament to the canon of international photography.
To enrich the narrative, this publication features insightful text contributions from esteemed experts such as Frits Gierstberg, Stijn Huijts, Huub Smeets, Charlotte Mantz, and Clément Mantz. Their contributions provide valuable insights into the life and work of Werner Mantz, shedding light on his artistic journey and the profound impact he had on the field of photography.
Werner Mantz – The Perfect Eye serves as a captivating companion to the retrospective exhibition of Werner Mantz at the Bonnefanten in Maastricht, scheduled from September 25, 2022, to February 26, 2023. This exhibition offers a comprehensive exploration of Mantz's artistic legacy, showcasing his exceptional talent and the timeless beauty of his photographs.

Weight: 1810g
Dimension: 246 x 325 x 35 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789464366730