Dimensions: sheet (trimmed to image): 24.4 x 19.7 cm (9 5/8 x 7 3/4 in.) mount: 50.8 x 38.9 cm (20 x 15 5/16 in.)
Copyright: National Gallery of Art: CC0 1.0
This is a photograph of Georgia O'Keeffe, by Alfred Stieglitz. Notice how Stieglitz uses a monochrome palette to sculpt O'Keeffe's figure out of light and shadow. Stieglitz's composition is meticulously arranged. The strong vertical lines of O’Keeffe’s top hat and coat contrast with the soft, blurred background. Her face is the focal point, framed by the stark geometry of the hat and the flowing lines of her hands. The hands, almost floating, introduce a dynamic element, their delicate form juxtaposed against the solid dark masses of her clothing. This photograph challenges conventional portraiture. Stieglitz captures O’Keeffe not merely as a subject, but as a complex interplay of form and emotion. He uses her figure to explore ideas about artistic identity, gender, and the creative process. The interplay between light and shadow creates a psychological depth, inviting viewers to contemplate the multifaceted nature of O'Keeffe’s persona, which opens up endless possibilities for interpretation.
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