Georgia O'Keeffe—Hands 1918

Alfred Stieglitz captured this photograph, titled "Georgia O'Keeffe—Hands," using gelatin silver print, against the backdrop of early 20th-century America. Stieglitz, deeply embedded in the artistic and intellectual circles of his time, was both O'Keeffe's husband and a champion of her work. Here, the hands of Georgia O'Keeffe become a landscape of their own; Stieglitz emphasizes their expressiveness. While the male gaze often objectifies women, Stieglitz seeks to capture O'Keeffe's strength and independence. The image transcends the traditional roles assigned to women, suggesting a narrative of female empowerment. These hands, caught in a moment of contemplation or creation, embody O'Keeffe’s spirit, and the cultural shifts redefining women’s roles in art and society. In its quiet intensity, the photograph honors O'Keeffe's identity, inviting us to reflect on the complex interplay of gender, artistry, and personal expression.