Realism

Alfred Stieglitz was an influential American photographer and art promoter, widely recognized for his role in elevating photography to a fine art form, who was born on January 1st, 1864, in Hoboken, New Jersey, USA and died on July 13th, 1946, in New York City, USA. He was also a key figure in modern art, championing various movements and helping to shape the American art scene in the early 20th century. By presenting the world as he observed it and focussing simple, uncomplicated images, Stieglitz’s early work explored realism. But his later work moved beyond common realism into more abstract and symbolic fields, particularly in his Replacements series and his connection with Pictorialism. Therefore, even if realism played a significant role in his photography, Stieglitz eventually stretched the limits of the medium by combining artistic expression with realism.

“The Steerage” (1907)

Technical

Stieglitz’s techniques, which showed clarity, and accuracy in his images while rejecting as Processing too much of Pictorialism, formed the basis of his realistic approach.

• Large-Format: Stieglitz used large-format cameras, which allowed for detailed images, presenting the realistic images.

• Natural Light: He used natural light in many of his photographs, so how realism by allowing the natural elements of light and shadow to show the atmosphere of the image.

Visual

• Structure: In many of his portraits, landscapes, and street scenes, the subjects are un-posed, reflecting the natural world as it appeared.

• Framing of Everyday Scenes: Where ever his photoshoots where taken Stieglitz’s framing showed a sense of everyday realism. Things weren’t idealized or romanticized.

Contextual

• Early 20th-Century Social Realities: The photograph was taken at a time when immigration to the United States was at a peak. The image shows the disparity between the wealthy first-class passengers and the immigrants in steerage. It reflects the class division and social inequality.

• Modernist Movements: “The Steerage” is often viewed as a significant work in the history of modernist photography. By focusing on everyday people, Stieglitz was connecting his work with realism while also making simple documentary photography.

Conceptual

• Human Experience and Immigration: The photograph’s focus on people’s faces, clothing, and physical postures offers a visual story about the immigrant experience. Stieglitz’s photograph shows the lives of everyday people, showing them in different places and occasions. This shows the realism of the moment to a more deep understanding on human dignity and struggle.