Rebecca Salsbury Strand 1922

Alfred Stieglitz captured this portrait of Rebecca Salsbury Strand with his camera. The image invites us to consider the dynamics of gender and artistic representation in the early 20th century. Stieglitz, a towering figure in the art world, often photographed those closest to him, including his wives and lovers. Here, Rebecca is captured in a moment of repose, lying in the grass. Her gaze is directed away, perhaps lost in thought. The soft focus and natural setting evoke a sense of intimacy. Consider the power dynamics at play: Stieglitz, the established male artist, capturing the image of a younger woman. What does it mean for a woman to be both muse and artist in her own right? Rebecca was also an accomplished artist, later known for her reverse-glass paintings. This image reflects not only Stieglitz’s artistic vision but also the complex interplay between artist, subject, and the cultural gaze. It prompts us to reflect on how women were seen and how they saw themselves during this transformative period.