Robert Mapplethorpe (1946–1989) was an American photographer renowned for his powerful black-and-white images that explored themes of beauty, eroticism, and mortality. Born in Queens, New York, Mapplethorpe studied graphic arts at Pratt Institute before transitioning to photography in the early 1970s. His work spanned celebrity portraits, male and female nudes, self-portraits, and still-life images, often incorporating classical composition and formal elegance. Mapplethorpe's most provocative works documented New York City's gay BDSM subculture, sparking national debates on artistic freedom and censorship, notably with his 1989 exhibition The Perfect Moment. Despite controversy, his legacy endures through the Robert Mapplethorpe Foundation, which supports photography and AIDS research. His photographs are held in major collections worldwide, including MoMA and the Tate Modern.