Edward Steichen

Edward Steichen was born on March 27, 1879, in Bivange, Luxembourg. He immigrated to the United States with his family in 1881, settling in Hancock, Michigan. Steichen would go on to become one of the most influential photographers of the 20th century, playing a crucial role in the development of photography as both an art and a profession.

In 1902, Edward Steichen helped found the Photo-Secession movement along with Alfred Stieglitz and other leading photographers. This movement promoted photography as a fine art and championed the pictorialist style. Steichen's work during this period was characterized by its soft focus and atmospheric quality, aligning with the movement's artistic goals.

In 1905, Edward Steichen, along with Alfred Stieglitz, co-founded the Little Galleries of the Photo-Secession, also known as 291 after its address on Fifth Avenue in New York City. This gallery was instrumental in establishing photography as a recognized form of art and showcased the works of many significant photographers and artists of the time.

During World War I, Edward Steichen enlisted in the U.S. Army. He became a Lieutenant in the Photographic Division of the AEF (American Expeditionary Forces) and was assigned to aerial reconnaissance. His work contributed to the use of photography in military intelligence and mapping during the war.

In 1923, Edward Steichen was hired as the chief photographer for the Condé Nast publications Vogue and Vanity Fair, a position he held until 1938. During this time, Steichen helped define the aesthetics of fashion and celebrity photography, producing iconic portraits of leading cultural figures of the era.

In 1930, Edward Steichen took on the role of photogaphic art director for Delineator, a women's magazine. During his time at Delineator, Steichen continued to shape commercial photography and contributed to the evolution of visual culture through his innovative editorial work.

During World War II, Edward Steichen served as Director of the Naval Aviation Photographic Unit. He was responsible for documenting naval aviation activities and created a series of photographs that captured the drama and heroism of war. His work during the war was highly influential in the field of military photography.

On January 24, 1955, Edward Steichen's renowned exhibition 'The Family of Man' opened at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City. The exhibition featured 503 photographs from 273 photographers in 68 countries and aimed to depict the universality of human experiences. It is considered one of the most important photography exhibitions ever curated.

Edward Steichen passed away on March 25, 1973, at the age of 93. His death marked the end of an illustrious career that spanned over half a century. Steichen left behind a profound legacy as a pioneer of modern photography, influencing generations of photographers with his innovative approach to the medium.

In 1963, Edward Steichen released his autobiography 'Steichen: A Life in Photography'. The book chronicled his journey as a photographer and offered insights into his thought processes and artistry. It became a significant resource for understanding the history of photography through the lens of one of its key practitioners.