From the Back-Window—291—Wall Closing In 1916

Alfred Stieglitz's 1916 photograph, "From the Back-Window—291—Wall Closing In," is a quintessential example of his "Equivalents" series. Stieglitz aimed to capture the essence of abstract ideas through everyday scenes. This particular photograph depicts a view from a window, showcasing the stark, geometric forms of a building under construction, emphasizing the feeling of confinement and the urban sprawl. The stark lines of the steel structure and the blank wall create a sense of claustrophobia and the fleeting nature of urban development, characteristic of Stieglitz's vision.