Professor Werner Possibly 1895 - 1896

This photograph of Professor Werner was captured by Alfred Stieglitz using a platinum print. Here, we see Professor Werner holding a rolled-up newspaper and a cigar. Consider the significance of these objects. The newspaper, a symbol of information and modernity, contrasts with the cigar, an emblem of contemplation. This juxtaposition invites us to reflect on the relationship between knowledge and introspection. The gesture of holding these objects evokes images from different times: consider, for example, portraits of philosophers or writers holding books, a symbol of knowledge. Think of how that image has been reinvented, passed down through history, and how its meaning has shifted in our modern era. These objects, seemingly simple, resonate with cultural memory and the subconscious. They serve as powerful forces engaging us on a deep level, reminding us of the cyclical nature of symbols and their ever-evolving significance in different historical contexts.