Rebecca Salsbury Strand 1922

Alfred Stieglitz created this gelatin silver print of Rebecca Salsbury Strand, his wife, sometime in the early 20th century. Stieglitz was a key figure in promoting photography as a fine art, and his work often explored intimate themes, particularly his relationship with women. In this image, Stieglitz captures a close-up of Rebecca's body, her skin glistening with water. The composition is sensuous, focusing on texture and form. What does it mean for a male artist like Stieglitz to capture a woman's body in such an intimate way? The male gaze is part of the history of art, where women are frequently the object of the look, of the artist, and then of the spectator. Stieglitz's photographs of Rebecca are a mix of affection and artistic intention. The photograph prompts questions about how we perceive and represent the body, especially within the context of marriage and artistic expression. It invites you to consider whose gaze is privileged and whose body is on display.