Pictorial Photography in America 1921, compiled by the Pictorial Photographers of America, serves as a comprehensive and visually striking exploration of the early 20th-century American photography scene. Within its pages lies a treasure trove of exceptional imagery, coupled with insightful commentary, shedding light on various photographic techniques and the artists who embraced them.
The book starts with a concise introduction, which offers historical context and an overview of the Pictorialist movement in America during this period. It highlights the group's dedication to elevating photography to the realm of fine art, challenging the conventional notion of the medium as a mere tool for documentation.
One of the book's greatest strengths is the wide range of photographic styles and subjects showcased. Each chapter focuses on a particular theme or genre, featuring both well-known and lesser-known artists, offering readers a panoramic view of the era's photographic diversity. From delicate botanical studies and atmospheric landscapes, to evocative portraits and striking cityscapes, the collection displays the versatility and artistic potential of the medium.
The reproductions of the photographs are of excellent quality, showcasing the subtle nuances of tone, texture, and composition that make each image memorable. The book's design and layout are clean and elegant, allowing the photographs to speak for themselves without unnecessary distractions. Additionally, the inclusion of insightful captions beneath each photograph adds depth and context, highlighting important technical aspects or providing biographical information about the artists.
Pictorial Photography in America 1921 manages to strike a balance between pleasing the casual admirer of visual art and catering to the more serious student or historian. The book's essays delve into various photographic techniques, such as gum bichromate printing, bromoil transfer, and platinum printing, offering technical insights that will undoubtedly captivate photography enthusiasts. The inclusion of notable essays by established photographers and critics of the time enriches our understanding of Pictorialism's impact, placing the movement within the broader artistic discourse of the era.
While the book focuses predominantly on the Pictorialist movement, it does not shy away from acknowledging the emergence of the Modernist approach, which challenged and eventually surpassed the Pictorialists' aesthetic conventions. This acknowledgement demonstrates the book's commitment to providing a holistic depiction of the photography trends of the time.
In conclusion, Pictorial Photography in America 1921 is a commendable work that successfully captures the essence of the Pictorialist movement and its lasting legacy in American photography. Its stunning imagery, alongside its informative essays, elevates the collection beyond a mere photographic anthology, making it an engaging and valuable resource for art historians, photography enthusiasts, and anyone with an appreciation for the art of storytelling through visuals.
First Page:
Pictorial Photography in America 1921 Pictorial Photographers of America
New York
1921
Editorial Board CLARENCE H. WHITE HENRY HOYT MOORE DWIGHT A. DAVIS JOHN PAUL EDWARDS
Committee on Publication HENRY HOYT MOORE WALTER L. EHRICH RAY GREENLEAF JOHN A. TENNANT
ILLUSTRATIONS
THE HAMPTON SINGER By DOROTHY ABBOTT, New York City THE ARCH OF JEWELS, NEW YORK CITY By WILLIAM A. ALCOCK, New York City WILLOW VALLEY By CHARLES K. ARCHER, Pittsburgh, Pa. PRAYERS OF BUDDHA By F. BAUER, San Francisco, Cal. THE SWANS By JESSE TARBOX BEALS, New York City ABOVE THE CLOUDS By CLARK BLICKENSDERFER, Denver, Colo. GRAMERCY PARK By MARY F. BOYD, Chambersburg, Pa. HILL TOP WINTER By GEORGE BUTLER, Worcester, Mass. WEISSTHURM ROTENBURG O. TAUBER By A. D. CHAFFEE, New York City CABLES By ARTHUR D. CHAPMAN, West Hoboken, N.J. BOOKPLATE By ALFRED COHN, Brooklyn, N.Y. THE BUGLE CALL By DWIGHT A. DAVIS, Worcester, Mass. THE BRIDGE By JOHN PAUL EDWARDS, Sacramento, California MY FATHER By VERNON E. DUROE, Brooklyn, N.Y. MAIDS O' THE MIST By MR. AND MRS. J. D. DREW, Montclair, N.J. AFTERNOON TEA By ELEANOR C. ERVING, Albany, N.Y. SUMMER PORTRAIT By LAURA GILPIN, Colorado Springs, Colo... Continue reading book >>
