Art Appreciation: The Emergence of Art Photography (1839 -1920)

This three-hour session explores the transformation of photography from a documentary medium into a recognised art form between the mid-19th century and the early 20th century.

We will examine the rise of Pictorialism, a movement that sought to establish photography as a legitimate art form through soft focus, atmospheric effects, and painterly compositions. Key figures such as Julia Margaret Cameron, Gertrude Käsebier, and Alfred Stieglitz will be discussed, along with their efforts to challenge the perception of photography as merely mechanical reproduction.

The session will also explore the transition from Pictorialism to modernist photography, as artists like Edward Steichen and Paul Strand began embracing sharp focus, geometric composition, and an emphasis on the medium’s unique capabilities. Strand’s images, particularly his striking portraits and urban scenes, reflected a new photographic vision—one that combined realism with formal abstraction.

Throughout this period, photographers faced resistance from traditional art institutions, which often dismissed photography as a purely technical craft. Stieglitz and the Photo-Secession movement played a key role in advocating for photography’s artistic legitimacy. Their efforts helped photography gain recognition as a major artistic medium in the early 20th century.