Alfred Stieglitz

Definition

Alfred Stieglitz was an influential American photographer and modern art promoter, known for his role in establishing photography as a recognized art form. He co-founded the Photo-Secession movement, which aimed to elevate photography to fine art status, distinguishing it from traditional forms of image-making. His work and advocacy for Pictorialism played a pivotal role in the artistic community, leading to important discussions about the nature of photography and its place in the art world.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Stieglitz was a key figure in the transition of photography from a mere documentary tool to a respected form of art, significantly influencing American visual culture.
2. His gallery, 291, was instrumental in showcasing modern art and introduced European avant-garde artists to American audiences.
3. Stieglitz's own works included iconic images such as 'The Steerage,' which is celebrated for its composition and social commentary.
4. He was married to artist Georgia O'Keeffe, and their relationship deeply influenced his work and approach to art.
5. Stieglitz played a critical role in the establishment of modern art movements in America, including the acceptance of abstract art.

Review Questions

• How did Alfred Stieglitz contribute to the development of the Photo-Secession movement and what impact did it have on photography?
  • Alfred Stieglitz was a co-founder of the Photo-Secession movement, which sought to promote photography as an art form distinct from commercial and documentary practices. This movement emphasized the artist's vision and emotional expression in photography, leading to a greater appreciation of photographic works as fine art. Stieglitz's leadership helped shift public perception, allowing photographers to be recognized alongside painters and sculptors.
• Discuss the differences between Pictorialism and Straight Photography, especially in relation to Stieglitz's work.
  • Pictorialism aimed to create images that resembled paintings by using soft focus and manipulation techniques, aligning with Stieglitz's early work that emphasized mood and atmosphere. However, as he evolved as an artist, Stieglitz became a proponent of Straight Photography, which focused on clarity and realism without manipulation. This shift illustrated his belief that photography could convey truth in its own right, ultimately influencing the direction of modern photography.
• Evaluate how Stieglitz's establishment of gallery 291 influenced the American art scene following the Armory Show.
  • The establishment of gallery 291 by Alfred Stieglitz had a profound influence on the American art scene after the Armory Show by providing a platform for modernist artists and promoting new ideas about artistic expression. By showcasing European avant-garde works alongside American artists, Stieglitz helped cultivate an environment that encouraged innovation and experimentation. This gallery became a vital space for dialogue about modern art, allowing for new movements like abstraction to gain traction and reshaping the landscape of American art.

Related terms

Photo-Secession: A movement founded by Stieglitz and others that sought to promote photography as a legitimate form of artistic expression, emphasizing personal vision and emotional impact.

Pictorialism:

An early photographic movement that focused on creating images with artistic intent, often using soft focus and manipulation to achieve painterly effects.

Straight Photography: A style of photography that emerged as a reaction against Pictorialism, emphasizing sharp focus and unaltered images, often portraying reality in a direct manner.