Edward Steichen

Definition

Edward Steichen was a pioneering American photographer and painter, who significantly influenced the field of photography through his work in both pictorialism and modern photography. He was a key figure in the Photo-Secession Movement, which aimed to elevate photography to the status of fine art, and he later embraced straight photography, showcasing the contrast between artistic interpretation and realism in imagery.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Steichen co-founded the Photo-Secession Movement in 1902 with Alfred Stieglitz, advocating for photography as a legitimate art form.
2. He was known for his work in pictorialism, creating photographs that often resembled paintings through techniques like soft focus and manipulation.
3. In the 1920s, Steichen shifted towards straight photography, emphasizing the importance of clarity and realism in his imagery.
4. His most famous work includes 'The Family of Man', an exhibition that showcased the universal aspects of human experience through photography.
5. Steichen's diverse career included roles as a fashion photographer, war correspondent during World War I, and curator at the Museum of Modern Art, where he helped shape the perception of modern photography.

Review Questions

• How did Edward Steichen contribute to the Photo-Secession Movement and what were its main goals?
  • Edward Steichen was instrumental in founding the Photo-Secession Movement alongside Alfred Stieglitz, with the primary goal of promoting photography as a legitimate form of fine art. The movement sought to challenge traditional perceptions of photography as just a mechanical process by advocating for artistic expression through photographic techniques. Steichen's involvement helped to elevate the status of photography within the art world and encouraged photographers to explore their creative vision.
• Compare and contrast Steichen's work in pictorialism with his later embrace of straight photography.
  • In pictorialism, Edward Steichen focused on creating images that conveyed artistic expression through soft focus, manipulation, and an impressionistic approach. This style emphasized aesthetics over reality. Conversely, in his later work with straight photography, Steichen prioritized clarity, detail, and realism without manipulation. This shift illustrates a broader evolution in photography from artistic interpretation to a more straightforward representation of reality.
• Evaluate the impact of Edward Steichen's 'The Family of Man' exhibition on public perception of photography and its role in contemporary society.
  • 'The Family of Man' exhibition had a profound impact on how photography was perceived by the public and its role in society. By showcasing a diverse range of photographs that highlighted shared human experiences across cultures, Steichen demonstrated that photography could convey deep emotional and social messages. This exhibition not only reinforced photography's place as an art form but also emphasized its potential as a tool for communication and connection in a rapidly changing world, ultimately influencing future generations of photographers and artists.

Related terms

Pictorialism: A photographic movement that emphasized artistic expression and aesthetics over documentary representation, often using soft focus and manipulation to create an impressionistic quality.

Photo-Secession: An organization founded by photographers, including Steichen and Alfred Stieglitz, to promote photography as an art form and to challenge traditional views of photography as merely a mechanical process.

Straight Photography: A style of photography that aims to capture images directly and truthfully without manipulation or alteration, emphasizing clarity and detail.