Dorothy Norman 1936

Alfred Stieglitz captured this portrait of Dorothy Norman with his camera, a tool he used to explore the depths of human emotion. The eyes, large and luminous, are the focal point, drawing us into Norman's inner world. They remind us of the ancient Roman portraits, where the eyes were believed to be the windows to the soul, reflecting the individual's character and spirit. The subtle tilt of her head, coupled with her gaze, echoes the melancholic Madonnas of the Renaissance. Here, the gesture conveys a sense of introspection, a gentle invitation to the viewer to share in a moment of quiet contemplation. This pose, seen throughout art history, has been used to evoke empathy and connection, tapping into our collective understanding of human emotion. The non-linear, cyclical progression of symbols reminds us that images resurface, evolve, and take on new meanings across history.