The Flatiron

Edward J. Steichen

1904, printed 1905 · Gum bichromate over platinum print · Photographs

Steichen added color to the platinum photograph that forms the foundation of this print using layers of pigment suspended in a light-sensitive solution of gum arabic and potassium bichromate. Together with two variant prints in other colors, also in the Museum's collection, The Flatiron is the quintessential study of twilight. Clearly indebted in its composition to the Japanese woodcuts that were in vogue at the turn of the century and in its coloristic effects, to the Nocturnes of Whistler, this picture is a prime example of the conscious effort of photographers in the circle of Alfred Stieglitz to assert the artistic potential of their medium.

Artist

Edward J. Steichen

Date

1904, printed 1905

Medium

Gum bichromate over platinum print

Department

Photographs

Credit line

Alfred Stieglitz Collection, 1933