Untitled (Trees) 1950

Editor: This is Siegfried Lauterwasser's "Untitled (Trees)," a black and white photograph at the Harvard Art Museums. It feels almost like an abstract ink drawing. What can you tell me about it? Curator: Given the stark contrasts and high key lighting, one wonders what social or institutional pressures might have led Lauterwasser to adopt such a visually arresting style. How did its reception shape views on nature photography? Editor: That’s interesting. So, the style wasn't just artistic expression? Curator: Perhaps, but consider the politics of imagery during the time. Were there specific movements or artistic manifestos influencing photographers? How did galleries exhibit such work? Editor: I hadn’t thought about it that way. Thanks, that gives me a lot to think about regarding the artist's choices and the public's perception.