Edward Steichen was an American photographer, painter, and art gallery curator. He
was one of the most influential photographers of the 20th century.
His commercial and fashion work transformed the style of advertising and pictorial
magazine work. He was a very versatile photographer, he took photography to a
new level with a modern style of stunning sharp photos.
He was born in Luxembourg in 1879 and his family migrated to the USA when he
was only a few years old.
At 15 years of age Steichen began a lithography apprenticeship with an American
Fine Art Company in Milwaukee. Steichen took up photography in 1895 and also
continued to paint for the next twenty years.
As a young man around the age of 20 steichen was already exhibiting work, both
paintings and photography in the US. At the age of 23 he opened a studio in 5th
avenue New York.
Here is some of his early work
IMAGES >
The Flatiron building is considered to be one of the first skyscrapers ever built. completed in
1902 it was one of the tallest buildings in New York City. One of his most famous paintings.
Self Portrait with Brush and Pallette – 1902
Steichen was originally a fine art painter and this is a self portrait of him from 1902. You can
see how he has used a paintbrush when developing this photo to give the print the look of a
painting.
Paul Albert Besnard - 1902
Here is another print that demonstrates the style Steichen began with.
Maurice Maeterlinck - 1901
In 1921 Steichen denounced painting and focused only on the craft of photography.
While staying in france he enterd his green house and found an imitation of one of
his floral paintings which he thought had something his painting didn’t. It turned out
to be a painting done by his gardener Francios. This simple painting convinced
steichen that his own work as a painter had been a pretentious lie. He removed all
his paintings from the studio. Piled them up in the backyard, threw a match and
burnt them. He called painting self indulgent and out of step with the times.
Commercial and Fashion:
During the period of 1923 – 1937 Steichen was one of the most successful
commercial photographers in the world.
He played an integral role in showing the effectiveness of photography to advertise
products.
Steichen was chief photographer for Conde Nast Publications creating imagery for
Vogue and Vanity Fair. He photographed many famous people for inclusion in the
Vanity Fair magazine and stylish 1930s Fashion shoots for vogue.
IMAGES >
Models Mary Taylor and Anne Whitehead – 1934
Custom design mirror staircase
Ad for Gown and Dress – Vogue
Commercial Photo for Jay-Thorpe and Saks Fifth Avenue - 1935
This is lifestyle / fashion photographer and Steichen’s influence is still seen in current fashion
and commercial photographer.
He also worked for the J Walter Thompson advertising agency of new york. He
produced a number of amazing product shots.
IMAGES > Cigarette Lighter and other products
He also created Fabric as seen in this photo
Steichen championed the freedom of the artist to create outside the narrow views of
the art establishment.
Edward Steichen 1879 – 1973 By. Damien Loverso & Omar Barcenas
During the period of 1923 – 1937 Steichen was one of the most successful
commercial photographers in the world.
Years Steichen worked: First exhibition 1899. Was appointed head of
photography at the Museum of Modern art and discontinued hes own photographic
work to concentrate on curating exhibition between 1947 – 1962.
Where they worked: Milwaukee, New York, LA, WWI, WWII & France
Company’s worked for: Conde Nast Publications (Vogue and Vanity Fair), J Walter
Thompson advertising agency, US Airforce, Navy Aviation and the
Type of Photography they were involved in: Commercial, Fashion, Portraiture,
Horticultural Photography, Ariel Photography and
Edward Steichens contemporaries: Paul Strand, Man Ray and Charles Sheeler
Steichens Influences: Stieglitz, Maurice Maeterlinck and Henri Bergso
Why are they significant? Steichen was one of the most prolific commercial
photographer of his time. Steichen championed the freedom of the artist to create
outside the narrow views of the art establishment.
What we find most interesting about the photographer: Versatile not only in
his photography but also in his life. He’s had paintings shown in Paris as well as his
more recognized work as a photographer.
Steichen was involved in many interesting aspects of art and society.
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Painting
Photography
Ariel reconnaissance in WWI and WWII
Delphinium flower breeding
Piano and Glass Design
Fabric Design
Philanthropy
Book and Film production
Introduced French modern art to the US
Museum of modern art curator
He curated 46 exhibitions
Produced over 35,000 Photographs in his life
BIBLIOGRAPHY
http://www.masters-of-photography.com/S/steichen/steichen_flatiron.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edward_Steichen
Lives in Photography: Edward Steichen – Todd Brandow and W A Ewing 2007