John Marin Possibly 1915 - 1934

Alfred Stieglitz made this photograph of John Marin, probably with a large format camera, sometime in the early 20th century. Look at Marin, bent over his work with intense focus. The soft, grainy texture of the photograph gives the whole scene a feeling of intimacy, as if we’re peeking into a private moment. Stieglitz captures Marin's workspace, with its humble tools and the clutter of art-making, with a gentle hand. Notice the way the light catches the planes of Marin’s face, his sharp gaze and the confident gesture of his hand. These details pull you in, making you feel like you're there in the room with him. It is a portrait of an artist at work but also a nod to the creative process itself. Artists like Fairfield Porter, with their own takes on everyday life and light, come to mind. This image is like a quiet poem, full of respect for the artist and the art he makes.