Alfred Stieglitz: The Eloquent Eye (2000) is an excellent documentary of the photographer, publisher, gallery owner and art visionary, Alfred Stieglitz, (1864-1946).
Art visionary is kind of an amorphous term that perhaps many art wonks would want to claim. So why is Stieglitz so important in the world of art history? Not only did he champion the idea of photography as a fine art, he also discovered and championed many painters who went on to long and influential careers.
Ever heard of Pablo Picasso? His first art exhibition in the United States was at Stieglitz’ art gallery 291 at 291 Fifth Avenue in New York City. This act alone places Stieglitz in the art history hall of fame. But wait, there’s more. Stieglitz was also the first American art gallery to exhibit the work of August Rodin, Paul Cezanne and Henri Matisse.
Stieglitz also championed the work of young American painters such as John Marin, Arthur Dove, Marsden Hartley and Georgia O’Keefe. Stieglitz’ support and approval of these artists helped to define the direction of modernism and art for decades to come. Other photographers whose work was influenced by Stieglitz include Edward Steichen, Paul Strand and Ansel Adams.
Location and timing are also very important for Stieglitz’ success. Living in New York City at the advent of photography and during the industrial revolution provided excellent context for the development of what Stieglitz perceived as modern art. The imagery in Stieglitz’ photographic work is largely of New York City, and chronicles with love the large-scale transformation of the metropolis of America. The other famous subject matter of Stieglitz’ photography is his partner and wife, the painter Georgia O’Keefe, perhaps best known for her close up views of flowers.
Alfred Stieglitz: The Eloquent Eye is at times a little slow and plodding. Some might find this art documentary a bit too scholarly and academic, as professors and art historians comment on the work of Stieglitz. In many ways, Stieglitz’ story is inspiring because it illustrates how one person can change the direction of the art world through support and exhibitions.
Feast on some more Stieglitz photographic images at the Metropolitan Museum of Art here.
You can also purchase Stieglitz photos for sale here.
Art visionary is kind of an amorphous term that perhaps many art wonks would want to claim. So why is Stieglitz so important in the world of art history? Not only did he champion the idea of photography as a fine art, he also discovered and championed many painters who went on to long and influential careers.
Ever heard of Pablo Picasso? His first art exhibition in the United States was at Stieglitz’ art gallery 291 at 291 Fifth Avenue in New York City. This act alone places Stieglitz in the art history hall of fame. But wait, there’s more. Stieglitz was also the first American art gallery to exhibit the work of August Rodin, Paul Cezanne and Henri Matisse.
Stieglitz also championed the work of young American painters such as John Marin, Arthur Dove, Marsden Hartley and Georgia O’Keefe. Stieglitz’ support and approval of these artists helped to define the direction of modernism and art for decades to come. Other photographers whose work was influenced by Stieglitz include Edward Steichen, Paul Strand and Ansel Adams.
Location and timing are also very important for Stieglitz’ success. Living in New York City at the advent of photography and during the industrial revolution provided excellent context for the development of what Stieglitz perceived as modern art. The imagery in Stieglitz’ photographic work is largely of New York City, and chronicles with love the large-scale transformation of the metropolis of America. The other famous subject matter of Stieglitz’ photography is his partner and wife, the painter Georgia O’Keefe, perhaps best known for her close up views of flowers.
Alfred Stieglitz: The Eloquent Eye is at times a little slow and plodding. Some might find this art documentary a bit too scholarly and academic, as professors and art historians comment on the work of Stieglitz. In many ways, Stieglitz’ story is inspiring because it illustrates how one person can change the direction of the art world through support and exhibitions.
Feast on some more Stieglitz photographic images at the Metropolitan Museum of Art here.
You can also purchase Stieglitz photos for sale here.
