Telegraph Poles c. 1900

"Telegraph Poles" is a striking example of Clarence H. White's mastery of Pictorialism, a photographic movement that embraced artistic expression in the medium. This c. 1900 photograph captures the stark beauty of a city landscape, with telegraph poles as the dominant vertical lines cutting through the scene. The composition emphasizes the interplay of light and shadow, creating a sense of depth and mood. White's use of soft focus and tonal range lends a painterly quality to the image, blurring the line between photography and art. The image also reflects the industrialization and modernization of the early 20th century, as the telegraph poles symbolize the increasing connectivity of the modern world.