Thinkrates, the Philosopher c. 1922

"Thinkrates, the Philosopher" is a 1922 abstract work by Edward Steichen, a renowned photographer and early adopter of modern art. The artwork is characterized by bold geometric shapes and a limited color palette of blue, yellow, gray, white, and black. The composition is simplified and reminiscent of Cubist works, focusing on the interplay of abstract forms rather than representational imagery. The title suggests a philosophical inquiry into the nature of thought and perception, inviting viewers to interpret the geometric arrangement as a symbolic representation of abstract concepts. Steichen's foray into abstract art during this period reflects the artistic zeitgeist of the early 20th century, where artists experimented with new ways of representing the world.