La Cigale 1898

Frank Eugene’s 1898 photogravure “La Cigale” depicts a nude woman seated amidst a shadowy, foliage-filled landscape. The photograph is rendered in rich tones of brown and grey, creating a mood of introspection and melancholy. Eugene’s use of soft focus and subtle lighting enhance the feminine form and evoke a sense of intimacy. This intimate and evocative work reflects Eugene’s artistic development and his pioneering role in the Photo-Secession movement, a group of photographers seeking to elevate photography to the status of fine art.