Georgia O'Keeffe c. 1924

This is a photograph of Georgia O'Keeffe by Alfred Stieglitz. The image captures O'Keeffe during a period when she was not only Stieglitz's muse but also his partner. Stieglitz, deeply invested in the notion of the artist as a solitary genius, often framed O’Keeffe in ways that emphasized her mystique. This photograph plays with the power dynamics inherent in their relationship, both personal and artistic. The composition creates a sense of intimacy while subtly highlighting Stieglitz’s control over her image. O’Keeffe, though, was far from a passive subject. She actively cultivated her own persona. Her clothing is practical, perhaps hinting at the labor, both physical and emotional, of creating a life and career. She gazes upwards, meeting our eyes, and seems to be claiming her own narrative. This photograph captures a complex interplay of gazes, desires, and artistic ambitions, revealing the nuanced negotiations of identity that both artists navigated.