The Swimming Lesson Possibly 1906 - 1911

Alfred Stieglitz made this photograph, The Swimming Lesson, with a camera, of course, sometime in the early 20th century. It's interesting, isn’t it, how a black and white image can still feel so full of life? The ripples on the water are captured with such detail, you can almost feel the coolness of the lake. Look at how the light reflects, creating these shimmering patterns around the figures. The texture of the water, the way it moves and catches the light, makes the whole scene feel so immediate and present. Think about that little girl’s expression. It’s like Stieglitz has captured a fleeting moment of trust and joy. I wonder how it felt to be in the water that day? There is a softness here that reminds me of the paintings of someone like Gerhard Richter, who was also interested in how light and focus can shift our perceptions of reality. Both artists remind us that art isn’t just about seeing; it’s about feeling and experiencing.