Fred Stein's lens immortalized Einstein, Arendt and 20th-century icons

Fred Stein was a photographer whose work captured some of the most influential figures of the 20th century. His portraits of Albert Einstein and Hannah Arendt later appeared on German postage stamps in 2005 and 2006. He was also remembered for his political activism and his striking images of New York City. Born into a politically active family, Stein first joined the SPD before switching to the Socialist Workers’ Party. In 1933, he and his wife fled Nazi Germany to Paris, where they set up 'Studio Stein' in their apartment. There, he photographed exiles like Willy Brandt, who later called him a 'remarkable' and 'brilliant' photographer. He also captured images of Gerda Taro and Robert Capa, then known as Gerta Pohorylle and André Friedmann.

Stein planned an anthology titled This Was Not Our Germany, but the project never saw publication. In 1941, he and his family escaped again, this time to the United States, where they settled in New York. His photography in the city, including works like Fifth Avenue and New York-themed calendars, became celebrated for its vivid portrayal of urban life.

In 1961, he returned to Germany to photograph around 100 prominent figures for the book German Portraits. His subjects included Bertolt Brecht, Willy Brandt, and Albert Einstein, solidifying his reputation as a master of portraiture. Stein’s legacy endures through his iconic portraits and his ability to document the intellectual and cultural life of his time. His images of major 20th-century figures remain widely recognised, including through their appearance on German postage stamps. His work in New York and Paris continues to be admired for its depth and clarity.