# Vivian Maier

> French-American photographer (1926–2009)

**Wikidata**: [Q200890](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q200890)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vivian_Maier)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/vivian-maier

## Summary
Vivian Maier was a French-American photographer (1926–2009) known for her street photography and candid portraits, which were discovered decades after her death. Her work, characterized by a unique aesthetic and intimate perspective, has since gained global recognition and influenced contemporary photography.

## Biography
- Born: February 1, 1926
- Nationality: French-American
- Education: Unknown (no details provided in source material)
- Known for: Pioneering street photography and candid portraiture
- Employer(s): Worked as a nanny and wet nurse, later as a photographer
- Field(s): Photography, street photography

## Contributions
Vivian Maier's contributions to photography include:
- **Street Photography**: Captured candid moments in Chicago, Illinois, documenting everyday life with a distinctive style.
- **Discovered Legacy**: Her photographs were rediscovered in 2007 by her nanny, who recognized their artistic value.
- **Exhibition and Recognition**: Her work has been exhibited in major galleries, including the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, and the International Center of Photography, New York.

## FAQs
**What is Vivian Maier known for?**
Vivian Maier is known for her street photography and candid portraits, which were discovered decades after her death. Her work, characterized by a unique aesthetic and intimate perspective, has since gained global recognition.

**Where did Vivian Maier work?**
Vivian Maier worked as a nanny and wet nurse before pursuing photography. She later became a professional photographer, capturing street scenes in Chicago, Illinois.

**What style of photography did Vivian Maier use?**
Vivian Maier's photography style was distinctive, featuring candid moments, intimate portraits, and a focus on everyday life. Her work has been compared to the works of Henri Cartier-Bresson and Robert Frank.

**How were Vivian Maier's photographs discovered?**
Vivian Maier's photographs were discovered in 2007 by her nanny, who recognized their artistic value. The collection was later acquired by the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, and has since been exhibited in major galleries worldwide.

## Why They Matter
Vivian Maier's work has had a significant impact on photography, particularly in the realm of street photography. Her discovery and subsequent exhibitions have brought attention to the value of candid and intimate portraiture. Her photographs have influenced contemporary photographers and have been featured in major exhibitions, solidifying her legacy as a pioneering figure in the field.

## Notable For
- **Discovered Legacy**: Her photographs were rediscovered in 2007, leading to a global appreciation of her work.
- **Exhibition and Recognition**: Her work has been exhibited in major galleries, including the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, and the International Center of Photography, New York.
- **Influence on Photography**: Vivian Maier's style has influenced contemporary photographers, particularly in the realm of street photography.
- **Candid Portraiture**: Her unique approach to capturing candid moments has set a new standard in portrait photography.

## Body
### Early Life and Career
Vivian Maier was born on February 1, 1926, in Chicago, Illinois. Her early life is not well-documented, but she worked as a nanny and wet nurse before pursuing photography. She began taking photographs in the 1950s, capturing candid moments and intimate portraits of everyday life in Chicago.

### Photography Style and Legacy
Vivian Maier's photography style was distinctive, featuring candid moments, intimate portraits, and a focus on everyday life. Her work has been compared to the works of Henri Cartier-Bresson and Robert Frank, but with a unique aesthetic that has since gained global recognition.

### Discovery and Recognition
Vivian Maier's photographs were discovered in 2007 by her nanny, who recognized their artistic value. The collection was later acquired by the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, and has since been exhibited in major galleries worldwide. Her work has been featured in exhibitions at the International Center of Photography, New York, and the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.

### Influence and Legacy
Vivian Maier's work has had a significant impact on photography, particularly in the realm of street photography. Her discovery and subsequent exhibitions have brought attention to the value of candid and intimate portraiture. Her photographs have influenced contemporary photographers and have been featured in major exhibitions, solidifying her legacy as a pioneering figure in the field.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. Encyclopædia Britannica
3. Union List of Artist Names. 2014
4. Czech National Authority Database
5. fotoCH
6. A World History of Women Photographers
7. Virtual International Authority File
8. CiNii Research
9. MusicBrainz
10. Lingua Libre
11. Le Delarge
12. Maier, Vivian
13. Artists of the World Online
14. GeneaStar
15. Find a Grave
16. [Source](http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2009-04-23/news/0904221452_1_photographer-extraordinaire-special-person-critic)
17. SNAC
18. Luminous-Lint
19. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
20. RKDartists
21. BBC Things
22. Treccani's Enciclopedia on line
23. [Source](https://facebook.com/groups/709410852896325?view=permalink&id=800292970474779)
24. [Source](https://facebook.com/groups/709410852896325?view=permalink&id=721285848375492)