Marsden Hartley 1911

Alfred Stieglitz made this photograph of Marsden Hartley at an unknown date, using photographic paper. Look at Hartley’s face, and the weight of his stare; I imagine Stieglitz, behind the camera, feeling a certain weight himself, perhaps even trying to capture something elusive about Hartley’s spirit. The photograph isn't just about capturing likeness, it's about trying to convey a feeling, an essence. Stieglitz and Hartley were both key figures in the American modern art scene, each pushing boundaries in their respective fields. Think about the relationship between the two men, how it might have influenced the image. Was there a sense of mutual respect, admiration, or even tension? As artists, they were both engaged in a visual conversation, constantly responding to and building upon each other’s ideas. This image really speaks to the power of artistic exchange, and how the act of looking—whether through a lens or at a canvas—can be a deeply personal and transformative experience.