Blessed Art Thou Among Women c. 1899

Curator: This is Gertrude Kasebier's "Blessed Art Thou Among Women." Editor: It has a lovely, sentimental feel; the soft focus gives it an ethereal quality. Curator: Kasebier was a key figure in the Photo-Secession movement, which championed photography as a fine art. Her manipulation of the photographic process allowed her to explore themes of motherhood. Editor: Absolutely. Looking at the composition, the mother’s placement behind the child creates depth, while the contrast of light and dark fabric draws our eye. Curator: And that title! It highlights the social expectations placed on women, both within the domestic sphere and within artistic production. Editor: Seeing how Kasebier plays with light and form, it clearly elevates photography's status through artistic expression. Curator: Indeed, and by focusing on women and children, Kasebier challenged the norms of the male-dominated art world. Editor: A beautiful and quietly powerful image.