Dorothy Norman 1930 - 1931

This intimate portrait of Dorothy Norman was captured by Alfred Stieglitz using gelatin silver print. The process is critical to understanding the photograph's aesthetic. Gelatin silver printing, dominant for almost a century, involves coating paper with light-sensitive silver halide crystals, developed to create the image. Stieglitz masterfully manipulates this process to achieve a stunning range of tones. The smooth, almost luminous quality of the print enhances the texture of Norman's skin, highlighting the soft gradations of light and shadow. Beyond technique, Stieglitz elevates photography from mere reproduction to high art. The final print, carefully trimmed and mounted, becomes a precious object, akin to a drawing or painting. Stieglitz was very keen on photography being seen as high art, at par with painting, which was considered the superior and more difficult form of artmaking. The result is a testament to the transformative power of process and materiality. It is a reminder of the artistry inherent in photographic printing, and the hand-crafted dimension of art.