Pictorialism
Photography treated as fine art through soft focus, tonal manipulation, and painterly composition. The photograph as expressive object rather than document.
Historical Context
Dominant photographic movement from 1885-1920. Photographers like Alfred Stieglitz and Edward Steichen argued that photography could be as expressive as painting. Characterized by soft focus, gum bichromate printing, and deliberate aesthetic manipulation.
Defining Characteristics
Reference Artists
- Alfred Stieglitz
- Edward Steichen
- Gertrude Käsebier
- Clarence White
Works in this style
