Marius de Zayas 1913

This 1913 portrait of Marius de Zayas, a prominent art dealer and writer, is a classic example of photographer Alfred Stieglitz's modernist approach to photography. The image is striking for its sharp focus, precise composition, and lack of extraneous detail, emphasizing de Zayas's strong features and direct gaze. Stieglitz's emphasis on realism and emotional depth, characteristic of his "291" gallery era, is apparent in this portrait. The subtle interplay of light and shadow adds to the dramatic effect, while the simple backdrop highlights the subject's presence.