Einstein, Arendt, Mann – and the Photographer Behind the Lens

His portraits of Albert Einstein, Hannah Arendt, or Thomas Mann are recognized across the globe—the name of the photographer behind them is not: Fred Stein. On Friday, May 15, 2026, the Leica Galerie Wetzlar will host a unique encounter between photography and narrative, offering a fresh gateway into Stein’s body of work.

Held in conjunction with the exhibition "Fred Stein: City. Life. Portrait," the evening focuses on a photographer who captured the 20th century with a keen eye and a subtle instinct for the "decisive moment." His work documents street life in Paris and New York alongside haunting portraits of the era’s most significant figures. It is often the quiet, unobtrusive scenes that reveal the depth of his vision—defined by curiosity, empathy, and a profound sense of the essential.

With a reading from "The Photographer Fred Stein – A German-Jewish Life 1909–1967," Daniel Siemens bridges the gap between the images and the biography. He recounts a life shaped by emigration, new beginnings, and artistic self-assertion, opening new perspectives on a body of work that has long been appreciated primarily on a visual level. The result is a multi-layered approach that allows the photographs to be experienced within their historical and personal contexts.

The event kosts 15 euro and begins at 7:00 PM (doors open at 6:00 PM) at the Leica Galerie Wetzlar. Integrated into the holiday weekend, the evening offers a unique opportunity to experience the exhibition and the reading in a special atmosphere. The exhibition will be open both before and after the reading, providing an evocative backdrop for the evening. A book signing will follow, offering an opportunity for personal conversation; the hardcover edition of the book will be available on-site for €28

Daniel Siemens is a Professor of European History at Newcastle University and an internationally recognized expert on 20th-century history. His award-winning and widely acclaimed publications combine academic precision with narrative clarity. With his book on Fred Stein, he provides a well-researched yet accessible look at the life and work of the photographer.

Monday to Sunday from 10 AM to 6 PM