Ep 7. Alfred Steiglitz: the Eloquent Eye

Alfred Stieglitz is one of the greatest photographers of all time, and this episode of American Masters provides an in-depth look at his life and work. From his early days as a young photographer in New York City to his later years as a pioneering modernist, Stieglitz's career spanned more than six decades and helped to shape the course of photography in America.

Through a combination of archival footage, interviews with historians and art critics, and readings from Stieglitz's own writings, the episode paints a vivid and compelling portrait of this fascinating artist. We see how he was influenced by the work of the European avant-garde, how he helped to establish photography as a serious art form in America, and how his own photographs captured the essence of the changing American landscape in the early 20th century.

One of the key themes explored in the episode is Stieglitz's role as a champion of modernism. He believed that photography should be a "straight" medium, free from the manipulations of painting and other forms of art, and he worked tirelessly to promote this idea through his gallery exhibitions and magazine publications. This led to a number of controversies and conflicts throughout Stieglitz's career, as he clashed with more conservative elements in the art world who saw photography as a mere commercial enterprise.

Another important aspect of the episode is its exploration of Stieglitz's personal life and relationships. We learn about his early marriage to fellow photographer Emily Sartain, his mentorship of the young Georgia O'Keeffe, and his long affair with his protégé Dorothy Norman. These relationships were often fraught with tension and emotional turmoil, and they provide a fascinating window into Stieglitz's complex personality.

Throughout the episode, we are treated to a stunning selection of Stieglitz's photographs, ranging from his early pictorialist images to his later, more abstract works. These photographs capture a wide range of subjects, from the streets of New York to the landscapes of Lake George and beyond, and they demonstrate Stieglitz's remarkable skill at capturing the essence of his subjects in a single image.

Overall, this episode of American Masters is a must-see for anyone interested in the history of photography or modern art in America. With its fascinating insights, beautiful visuals, and engaging storytelling, it provides a compelling portrait of one of the most important artists of the 20th century.