Georgia O'Keeffe c. 1919

This photograph of Georgia O'Keeffe was taken by Alfred Stieglitz, likely in the 1910s or 20s, using a process called photogravure. What makes this image particularly striking is the way it engages with the institutional politics of art at the time. Stieglitz, an influential figure in the American art world, helped elevate photography to the status of fine art. His images of O'Keeffe, his muse and later his wife, were instrumental in shaping her public persona as a modern artist. Through the soft focus and intimate framing, Stieglitz presents O'Keeffe as both a strong and vulnerable figure, challenging traditional representations of women. To fully appreciate this photograph, one might consider exploring Stieglitz’s writings in 'Camera Work' or delve into the archives of the many galleries he ran in New York. Through such historical research, we can better understand how this image reflects and shapes the cultural values of its time.