Georgia O'Keeffe 1918

This photograph of Georgia O'Keeffe was made by Alfred Stieglitz sometime in the 1910s or 20s. Stieglitz, who was a major figure in the New York art world, made hundreds of images of O'Keeffe, who was both his lover and his muse. The photograph is part of a series which was highly controversial at the time for its frank depiction of the female body. What might seem like a straightforward portrait was then regarded as a radical statement about female sexuality and artistic freedom. Stieglitz positioned O'Keeffe as an artistic subject, but also objectified her, raising questions about the power dynamics inherent in their relationship and the broader art world. Understanding this image requires us to consider the social and artistic context of its time, relying on biographical research, critical theory, and institutional history. We must recognize the role of the art historian in uncovering these layers of meaning.