Alfred Stieglitz (American, 1864-1946) The Steerage

Description:

Alfred Stieglitz (American, 1864-1946)

The Steerage, 1907, printed 1915. Titled, dated, and signed "...1907 Alfred Stieglitz" in pencil l.l. Photogravure on vellum, image size 12 3/4 x 10 in. (32.4 x 25.4 cm),framed.
Condition: Small spots of adhesive residue or similar u.l., rippling, top edge of the sheet folded over horizontally with linen hinges affixed at upper corners and center, areas of discoloration in the margins and on the verso, especially along the right edge, with mount remnants at u.r., c.r., and l.r., subtle toning and light foxing evident on the verso.

Provenance: From the collection of Mina Boehm Metzger, New York, then by descent to the current owners.

N.B. As a founding member of the Photo-Secession and publisher of Camera Notes and Camera Work, Alfred Stieglitz was a major force in the promotion and elevation of photography as a fine art in America at the turn of the 20th century. While he first championed a Pictorial aesthetic-painterly, soft focus images with subtle tonal variation and unusual compositions-The Steerage marks his embrace of a more modernist, "straight" depiction of contemporary life. Stieglitz first published the image in a 1911 issue of Camera Work devoted exclusively to his own photographs made in this new style. In 1915, he lavishly reprinted the image as a large-scale photogravure on both vellum and Japanese paper. Stieglitz frequently used the photogravure process for his exhibition prints, considering it equal in quality to the platinum or carbon processes.
Estimate $12,000-18,000

Sheet measures 18 x 12 7/16 in. No additional issues to report.


The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging. Condition requests can be obtained via email (lot inquiry button) or by telephone to the appropriate gallery location (Boston/617.350.5400 or Marlborough/508.970.3000). Any condition statement given, as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Skinner Inc. shall have no responsibility for any error or omission.

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