Georgia O'Keeffe 1919 - 1921

Alfred Stieglitz made this photograph of Georgia O’Keeffe, probably in his New York studio. It's an intimate portrait of the back of her head and neck as she arranges her hair, rendered in soft sepia tones. What’s striking to me is how Stieglitz uses light and shadow to model O’Keeffe’s form. The photograph is softly focused, with a shallow depth of field that blurs the edges and creates a sense of intimacy and immediacy. The light seems to caress the back of her head, emphasizing the curve of her neck and the delicate wisps of hair that escape her elaborate up-do. The dark shadows that obscure much of her hair contrast with the highlights on her skin, creating a dynamic interplay of light and dark that adds depth and dimension to the image. There’s a vulnerability to this image, a sense of unguardedness that feels very personal. Think of other artists like Man Ray, and the way they captured the image of artists they loved. Ultimately, it’s a beautiful and haunting image that captures the essence of O’Keeffe's spirit.