Trailblazing Photographer Lee Miller's Works Exhibited at King Charles III's Residence in Viscri, Romania
In the Heart of Romania: Gets a Glimpse of Lee Miller's Romania through Iconic Images
Step into the past with the opening of an extraordinary exhibition at The King's House, Viscri, Romania. Titled "Lee Miller's Romania," this event is a breathtaking voyage into the life and work of the legendary photographer and war correspondent, Lee Miller[1]. This extensive exhibition is declared as the most comprehensive ever held in Romania[3].
Miller embarked on her journey through Romania in 1938 and again in 1946. On her maiden expedition, she was accompanied by surrealist artist Roland Penrose, folklorist Harry Brauner, and artist Lena Constante. On her second trip, she joined forces with Life magazine photographer John Phillips[1]. Miller's visits fell at critical junctures in Romania's history, capturing a nation on the brink of deep-rooted political and cultural transformation[2].
The images exhibited are a vibrant, outstanding reflection of rural Romania before and after World War II, showcasing village life, ancient customs, and historical figures undergoing crucial transitions[2]. Miller's photographs are distinctive, possessing exceptional technical prowess and a deep human connection[1]. The images on display offer an exclusive, unaltered glimpse into Romania's past, encapsulating a country on the edge of remarkable historical and cultural shifts.
As you meander through The King's House in Viscri, you'll also come across Miller's portraits of the Queen Mother Elena, King Michael I, Iuliu Maniu, and Dinu Brătianu[3]. These rare portraits mark some of the last images captured before these figures were eclipsed under the communist regime.
The exhibition, which runs until August 10, 2025, invites visitors to rediscover an authentic, surprising, and diverse Romania, captured during a historic turning point[3]. The essence of Miller's work resonates on multiple levels - from rekindling the emotion of an authentic Romania, to inspiring wonder and fascination about the vibrant life of this extraordinary woman[3].
Miller began her career as a Vogue model before stepping into the world of photography under the tutelage of Man Ray[5]. During World War II, she left the fashion realm behind and became a groundbreaking war correspondent, a role previously denied to women[5]. Miller documented the advance of the US army as they traversed Europe post-Normandy landings, including the liberation of Paris and the grim realities of concentration camps such as Buchenwald and Dachau[5]. One of her most recognized images is the iconic staged photograph, featuring Miller bathing in Hitler's bathtub in Munich[5].
The images on display in Viscri represent an exciting rediscovery of Miller's work, thanks to the assistance of Romanian experts, including Dr. Adrian-Silvan Ionescu, Ioana Popescu, and Paula Popoiu[5]. These experts helped to identify the subjects of the photographs, ensuring a more accurate and comprehensive interpretation of Miller's remarkable work. So, get ready for an unforgettable encounter with history, romance, and the indomitable spirit of Lee Miller!
(Leading photo: Dancing bear with gypsy trainers, Romania 1938, by Lee Miller (R0285) © Lee Miller Archives England 2025)
To check out this extraordinary exhibition, click here
- The exhibition titled "Lee Miller's Romania" at The King's House, Viscri, Romania, offers a captivating view into the life and work of Surrealist photographer Lee Miller, which is considered the most comprehensive ever held in Romania.
- During her journeys to Romania in 1938 and 1946, Lee Miller documented aspects of Romania's lifestyle, home-and-garden, and travel, presenting a vibrant reflection of rural Romania before and after World War II, showcasing village life, ancient customs, and historical figures undergoing crucial transitions.
- Alongside images of Romania, the exhibition features Miller's portraits of notable figures like Queen Mother Elena, King Michael I, Iuliu Maniu, and Dinu Brătianu, marking some of the last images captured before these figures were eclipsed under the communist regime.
- The exhibition runs until August 10, 2025, providing a unique opportunity for travelers to rediscover an authentic, surprising, and diverse Romania, captured during a historic turning point, and to immerse themselves in the essence of Miller's profound work and her indomitable spirit.
