Presence: The Photographic World of Lotte Jacobi
May 2 – June 29, 2025
Opening Reception: Friday, May 2nd, 2025, 5-8pm
Portrait of Lotte Jacobi by Hope Zanes
The Vermont Center for Photography is honored to present Presence: The Photographic World of Lotte Jacobi, a solo exhibition celebrating the life and work of one of the 20th century’s most iconic photographic voices. Featuring a rare selection of vintage prints from private collections, along with works from the University of New Hampshire’s extensive Jacobi archive, this exhibition offers a multifaceted view of her artistry. From intimate portraits of cultural luminaries to dynamic images of dancers, actors, and theatrical productions, the show invites viewers into Jacobi’s deeply humanistic and expressive photographic world.
Lotte Jacobi (1896–1990) was a German-American photographer whose work is renowned for its emotional depth and authenticity. Born in West Prussia and trained in photography in Munich, she emigrated to New York City in 1935 to escape Nazi persecution. Her portrait subjects included figures such as Albert Einstein, Eleanor Roosevelt, and Marc Chagall, yet she also turned her lens toward lesser-known artists, performers, and experimental abstract forms she called “Photogenics.” Later in life, Jacobi settled in Deering, New Hampshire, where she remained active in the arts and continued to produce work well into her 80s. Her legacy lives on through the many archives, exhibitions, and personal stories she left behind.
Special Event:
Through Lotte’s Lens: An Evening with Gary Samson
Friday, June 27th at 6pm, @ VCP (More info HERE)
Join us for a special evening with celebrated NH photographer and educator Gary Samson as he reflects on the life and legacy of Lotte Jacobi, one of the 20th century’s most iconic portrait photographers. Drawing from his personal relationship with Jacobi and his years spent cataloging her photographic archive, Gary will share rare insights, stories, and images that illuminate her remarkable career—from Berlin to New York to New Hampshire.
This exhibition is made possible with support from:
• University of New Hampshire Special Collections
• The Estate of Hope Zanes Butterworth
• Zephyr Designs, Brattleboro VT
• Jeffrey Lapid
• Evie Lovett & Jeff Shumlin