The Erich Lessing Photo Archive, officially known as the "Erich Lessing Kunst- und Kulturarchiv Ges.m.b.H.", serves as the custodian of the remarkable photographic legacy of Erich Lessing.
Explore More

Established in 1996 and originally managed by Lessing himself, the archive is now under the stewardship of his wife, Renée Kronfuss-Lessing, who continues to preserve and promote his extensive body of work following his passing in 2018. Based in Vienna, this archive is dedicated to maintaining the rights and copyrights of over 40,000 images, ensuring the ongoing legacy of one of the most significant photojournalists of the 20th century.

Erich Lessing (1923-2018) was born in Vienna to a family deeply embedded in culture, with a dentist father and a pianist mother. The rise of Nazi power tragically disrupted his early life; at just 16, he fled to Palestine, escaping the horrors that claimed the lives of his mother and grandmother. Initially trained in radio engineering, Lessing’s passion for photography soon took precedence. After the war, he returned to Austria in 1947 and began working for the Associated Press. His talent was quickly recognized, and in 1951, he joined the prestigious Magnum Photos, where he became a full member by 1955.

Lessing's photography is known for its humanistic perspective, capturing the spirit of post-war Europe. His iconic image of the Austrian State Treaty signing at Belvedere Palace in 1955, where Austrian leaders celebrated the nation's regained sovereignty, stands as a symbol of Austrian history. His lens documented critical moments such as the Hungarian Uprising of 1956, the reconstruction of war-torn Germany, and political milestones like Charles de Gaulle’s visit to Algeria.

Throughout his illustrious career, Lessing’s photographs were featured in globally renowned publications, including LIFE, Paris Match, and Epoca. His portfolio is rich with portraits of influential figures like Eisenhower and Khrushchev, as well as cultural icons such as Herbert von Karajan. Beyond journalism, he ventured into art and historical documentation, becoming a leading photographer for the Louvre and publishing over sixty art books on subjects ranging from the Bible to the Renaissance.

In addition to his photographic achievements, Lessing was a passionate educator, teaching at institutions like the Salzburg Summer Academy and the University of Applied Arts in Vienna. He received numerous accolades, including the Austrian Cross of Honor for Science and Art. Today, the Erich Lessing Photo Archive continues to celebrate and share his work with the world, ensuring that his powerful visual narratives endure for future generations.