Dorothy Norman 1931

Alfred Stieglitz captured this close-up photograph of Dorothy Norman, a gallerist, writer, and photographer, using gelatin silver print. Stieglitz's photographs of Norman, like his images of Georgia O'Keeffe, reflect more than just the sitter's likeness, they delve into the complexities of female identity during a transformative period. His work existed within a broader cultural context marked by shifting gender roles and the rise of feminist thought. Both women were more than just muses. They each actively shaped their own identities, challenging traditional representations of women in art and society. What does it mean to look at the intimacy Stieglitz captures? His lens invites us to reflect on the power dynamics inherent in the gaze, and it also prompts us to consider how these women navigated a male-dominated art world. The intensity of Norman's gaze challenges us to engage with her as an active participant in the photographic encounter.