Edward Steichen was a pioneering photographer, painter, and curator whose work significantly shaped the field of photography. Born on March 27, 1879, in Luxembourg, Steichen immigrated to the United States as a young child. His career spanned several decades and included notable art and commercial photography contributions.
Early Life and Education
Steichen’s family moved to the United States when he was just 18 months old, settling in Hancock, Michigan. His early interest in Art led him to a lithography apprenticeship at 15, during which he also began experimenting with photography. By 1899, his photographs were exhibited, marking the start of his professional journey.
Rise to Prominence
In 1900, Steichen travelled to Paris to study Art, where he met Alfred Stieglitz, a pivotal figure in his career. Stieglitz recognized Steichen’s talent and included his work in the influential magazine Camera Work. Steichen’s photographs appeared more frequently in Camera Work than those of any other photographer.
Contributions to Fashion Photography
Steichen is often credited with transforming fashion photography into an art form. His work for Art et Décoration in 1911 is considered the first modern fashion photography. From 1923 to 1938, he served as the chief photographer for Vogue and Vanity Fair, where he became the highest-paid photographer of his time.
World War II and Documentary Work
During World War II, Steichen served as the Director of the Naval Aviation Photographic Unit. He directed the war documentary The Fighting Lady, which won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature in 1944.
The Family of Man
One of Steichen’s most significant contributions was The Family of Man exhibition, which he curated while serving as the Director of the Department of Photography at the Museum of Modern Art in New York. The exhibition, seen by millions worldwide, was added to UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register in 2003.