American Pictorial Photography, Series I 1899

This is the cover of “American Pictorial Photography, Series I,” a book of photographs made by anonymous artists in America. The cover gives us the first clue that this is no ordinary collection of snapshots. The dark green cloth and centrally placed medallion suggest this is an object intended to be viewed as art. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, photography was fighting for recognition as a fine art, akin to painting or sculpture. Publications like this one played a crucial role in that struggle. “Pictorialism,” as this style was known, involved photographers using soft focus, special printing techniques, and carefully composed scenes to create images that looked less like objective records and more like impressionistic paintings. The anonymity of the artists adds to this effect, suggesting the work is to be appreciated for its aesthetic qualities rather than the individual genius of the photographer. Art historical research, including period journals and exhibition catalogs, helps us understand how photography gained acceptance within cultural institutions and the shifting social values attached to different forms of visual representation.