Self-Portrait 1905

Alvin Langdon Coburn’s 1905 “Self-Portrait” is a striking example of Pictorialism, a photographic movement that emerged in the late 19th century. Coburn, a prominent figure in the movement, utilized soft focus and a painterly aesthetic to create a mood of introspection and drama. The self-portrait captures Coburn’s youthful visage, shrouded in shadow with his hand resting on a surface as if in contemplation. The photograph is a powerful testament to Coburn’s artistic vision and his commitment to elevating photography to a fine art.