How Taro Shaped War Photography Through Courage and Innovation
A new biographical film about Gerda Taro premiered at the Venice Film Festival, spotlighting the pioneering female photojournalist whose legacy has long been eclipsed by her partner Robert Capa. Taro, who died in 1937 while covering the Spanish Civil War, is now being recognized as one of the first women to die in combat photography.
Born Gerta Pohorylle in Stuttgart in 1910, Taro fled Nazi Germany and settled in Paris, where she met Endre Friedmann, a Hungarian Jewish photographer. Together they created the persona of Robert Capa—a bold, American-sounding name meant to sell their images more easily in the press. Taro not only helped invent the alias but also took many photographs under it, contributing significantly to the early work attributed solely to Capa.
What If Her Name Had Been on the Front Page Instead?
Taro was known for her daring proximity to the front lines, often embedding with Republican troops during the Spanish Civil War. Her images captured the chaos and humanity of battle with unprecedented intimacy, focusing on civilians and soldiers alike. Unlike many of her contemporaries, she refused to remain detached, believing that truth in war required being close to the suffering. Her negatives, many of which were lost or misattributed after her death, are now being reexamined by historians using modern forensic techniques.
Recent archival research suggests that several iconic images long credited to Robert Capa were actually taken by Taro. Exhibitions in New York and Madrid have begun to reattribute these works, prompting a broader reckoning about gender erasure in photojournalism. Scholars argue that her death at age 26—not just her relationship—contributed to her obscurity, as Capa continued to build his fame for two more decades.
Was Gerda Taro married to Robert Capa? No, they were romantic partners and professional collaborators but never married. They met in Paris in 1935 and worked together until her death in 1937.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Gerda Taro take photos under her own name? Yes, especially later in her career. Early in their partnership, many photos were published under the Robert Capa name for marketability, but she increasingly used her own name as her reputation grew.
How did Gerda Taro die? She was killed in July 1937 during the Battle of Brunete in Spain, when a tank collided with the vehicle she was riding in while returning from the front line.