Ernest Gutman 1933

Alfred Stieglitz made this photograph of Ernest Gutman using a gelatin silver print sometime in the early 20th century. At the time, Stieglitz was an important figure in promoting photography as a fine art and his portraits raise interesting questions about the social role of photography. This image offers not just a likeness, but Stieglitz’s interpretation of Gutman. In the context of the American art scene at the time, photography was battling for legitimacy against painting and sculpture. The controlled lighting, close framing, and emphasis on texture, seem designed to elevate the status of the medium. To understand this image better, research into Stieglitz’s biography, his gallery "291", and the broader art world of early 20th century New York might be a good place to start. Considering these factors helps us appreciate the social and institutional context that shaped this striking image.