Life's Cycle c. 1926

"Life's Cycle" is a 1926 photograph by Henry Sill, a prominent figure in American Pictorialism. The photograph, currently held at the Minneapolis Institute of Art, features a man in profile, his head bowed as he holds a decorative, circular object. The subject is partially obscured, creating a sense of mystery. The photograph is a prime example of Pictorialism, which sought to elevate photography to the level of fine art, focusing on aesthetic qualities like composition and mood. The work evokes a sense of introspection and reflection, highlighting the cyclical nature of life.