John Marin Possibly 1916 - 1937

This is a photographic portrait of John Marin by Alfred Stieglitz. The image presents a delicate array of tones, moving from the deep shadows of Marin's hair to the stark white of his shirt collar. It’s a study in contrasts, capturing Marin’s somewhat severe expression. Look closely at the texture; you can almost feel the tweed of Marin’s jacket, see the subtle gradations in the background. The depth of field is shallow, focusing our attention on Marin's face, especially his eyes, which seem to hold a mix of pensiveness and intensity. The soft focus and careful tonal range give the photograph a painterly quality, almost like a charcoal drawing. Stieglitz was a key figure in promoting modern art in America, and his photographs often reflect the aesthetic concerns of painting. Think of Edward Steichen’s portraits of artists – they share a similar sensibility, a desire to capture not just a likeness, but something of the artist's spirit. Ultimately, this photograph feels less like a straightforward portrait and more like an exploration of character, a silent conversation between two artists.