John Steinbeck

Karsh, Yousuf, 1908-2002 · 1954

The American author who writes of exceedingly earthy characters maintained in Paris a very elegant address. The gate was opened for me, in 1954, by a butler in black coat and striped trousers. ~ There were, however, difficulties in this impressive setting. Sunshine poured into the room, curtains had to be changed, and the electricity supply, as usual in the eccentric power system of France, proved insufficient. Moreover, a continuous stream of people poured through the room - the author's wife, his children one after the other, and his secretary. When the procession was interrupted for a moment I seized the chance, abandoned the French current, and took this portrait with electronic lights. ~ Mr. Steinbeck had talked little during the sitting. His mind was on his own business and on the many urgent questions brought by his secretary. It seemed that a craftsman skilled in revealing the character of other people guarded himself jealously from prying eyes - that here was a courteous but reticent man who did not wear his heart on his sleeve (Karsh, 1976).