Impression, Winter Possibly 1894 - 1896

Alfred Stieglitz made this photograph, titled "Impression, Winter," using gelatin silver print. The image presents a snow-covered landscape, evoking a sense of tranquility and stillness. Stieglitz was a key figure in promoting photography as a fine art in the United States, during a time when photography was often dismissed as merely a mechanical reproduction. His work and advocacy helped establish photography's place within the established art institutions. Stieglitz's style often involved capturing scenes from everyday life, transforming them through his artistic vision. The winter scene, with its soft light and delicate tones, reflects a broader artistic movement toward Impressionism, which sought to capture fleeting moments and subjective impressions. By infusing photography with the aesthetics of painting, Stieglitz challenged the prevailing norms of art and paved the way for photography to be recognized as a legitimate form of artistic expression. To fully appreciate Stieglitz's contribution, consider the social and institutional context in which he worked, exploring photographic journals, exhibition catalogs, and critical reviews of the time.