Full Name and Common Aliases


Alfred Stieglitz was born on January 22, 1864, in Hoboken, New Jersey. He is commonly referred to as Alfred Steiglitz.

Birth and Death Dates


January 22, 1864 – December 13, 1946

Nationality and Profession(s)


Stieglitz was an American photographer, art dealer, and promoter of modern art. He played a significant role in the development of photography as an art form and was instrumental in introducing European avant-garde artists to the United States.

Early Life and Background


Alfred Stieglitz was born to a German-Jewish family. His father, Edward Jochimson Steiglitz, was a textile merchant who immigrated to the United States in 1855. Alfred's mother, Emily Horsheimer, was also of German descent. The family moved frequently during Stieglitz's childhood, eventually settling in New York City.

Stieglitz's interest in art and photography began at an early age. He attended the City College of New York (now part of the CUNY system) but dropped out to pursue a career in engineering. However, he soon returned to his artistic pursuits, studying drawing and painting under the tutelage of John Henry Twachtman.

Major Accomplishments


Stieglitz's most significant contributions to the art world include:

Founding 291, a photography gallery that showcased the work of leading European photographers.
Establishing the Photo-Secession movement, which sought to elevate photography to an art form.
Introducing American audiences to the works of European modernists, including Henri Matisse and Pablo Picasso.

Notable Works or Actions


Some of Stieglitz's most notable works include:

The Steerage (1907), a photograph that critiques the social conditions of immigrants in the United States.
* Equivalents (1919-1934), a series of abstract photographs that explore the relationship between light and form.

Stieglitz was also an accomplished writer, contributing articles and essays on photography and art to various publications. He married artist Georgia O'Keeffe in 1924, with whom he had a long-term romantic partnership.

Impact and Legacy


Alfred Stieglitz's impact on the art world cannot be overstated. He played a crucial role in shaping the development of modern art and photography, introducing American audiences to European avant-garde movements. His influence can still be seen today in the work of photographers and artists who continue to push the boundaries of their respective mediums.

Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered


Stieglitz's quotes and writings offer insights into his artistic vision and philosophical approach to photography. He is widely quoted for his statements on the relationship between light, form, and abstraction in art. His legacy continues to inspire artists, photographers, and art lovers around the world.

In conclusion, Alfred Stieglitz was a trailblazing artist, photographer, and promoter of modern art who left an indelible mark on the art world. His innovative spirit, dedication to artistic expression, and commitment to elevating photography to an art form continue to inspire and influence generations of artists and photographers today.

Quotes by Alfred Stieglitz

Alfred Stieglitz's insights on:

Let me here call attention to one of the most universally popular mistakes that have to do with photography – that of classing supposedly excellent work as professional, and using the term amateur to convey the idea of immature productions and to excuse atrociously poor photographs.
"
Let me here call attention to one of the most universally popular mistakes that have to do with photography – that of classing supposedly excellent work as professional, and using the term amateur to convey the idea of immature productions and to excuse atrociously poor photographs.
It is not art in the professionalized sense about which I care, but that which is created sacredly, as a result of a deep inner experience, with all of oneself, and that becomes ‘art’ in time.
"
It is not art in the professionalized sense about which I care, but that which is created sacredly, as a result of a deep inner experience, with all of oneself, and that becomes ‘art’ in time.
I do not object to retouching, dodging. or accentuation as long as they do not interfere with the natural qualities of photographic technique.
"
I do not object to retouching, dodging. or accentuation as long as they do not interfere with the natural qualities of photographic technique.
In the American Grain: Dove, Hartley, Marin, O'Keeffe and Stieglitz
"
In the American Grain: Dove, Hartley, Marin, O'Keeffe and Stieglitz
As I hold the future well-being of photography very dear I must see to it that these forces which militate against it be opposed and destroyed.
"
As I hold the future well-being of photography very dear I must see to it that these forces which militate against it be opposed and destroyed.
Wherever there is light, one can photograph.
"
Wherever there is light, one can photograph.
Utopia is in the moment. Not in some future time, some other place, but in the here and now, or else it is nowhere.
"
Utopia is in the moment. Not in some future time, some other place, but in the here and now, or else it is nowhere.
Photography my passion, the search for truth, my obsession.
"
Photography my passion, the search for truth, my obsession.
I do not object to retouching, dodging or accentuation as long as they do not interfere with the natural qualities of photographic technique.
"
I do not object to retouching, dodging or accentuation as long as they do not interfere with the natural qualities of photographic technique.
My cloud photographs are equivalents of my most profound life experiences, my basic philosophy of life. All art is an equivalent of the artist’s most profound life experiences.
"
My cloud photographs are equivalents of my most profound life experiences, my basic philosophy of life. All art is an equivalent of the artist’s most profound life experiences.
Showing 1 to 10 of 53 results