Pictorialism

Definition

Pictorialism is a photographic movement that emerged in the late 19th century, emphasizing the artistic aspects of photography rather than its documentary capabilities. This approach sought to create images that resembled paintings and often employed techniques like soft focus, special printing processes, and staged compositions to evoke emotions and convey a sense of beauty.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Pictorialism played a crucial role in establishing photography as an art form, challenging the notion that photographs should only serve a documentary purpose.
2. Prominent pictorialist photographers, like Alfred Stieglitz and Edward Steichen, pushed for greater recognition of photography in art galleries and exhibitions.
3. The movement encouraged the use of alternative printing techniques such as gum bichromate and photogravure to enhance the artistic quality of photographs.
4. Pictorialism's influence began to wane with the rise of straight photography, which favored clear images and truthful representation over artistic manipulation.
5. The aesthetic choices made by pictorialists often reflected broader artistic movements of the time, such as Impressionism and Symbolism.

Review Questions

• How did pictorialism challenge traditional views on photography during its emergence?
  • Pictorialism challenged traditional views by positioning photography as a legitimate form of fine art rather than merely a documentary tool. Pictorialists emphasized creativity, aesthetics, and emotional resonance in their work, which contrasted with earlier perceptions of photography focused solely on realism and factual representation. This shift helped pave the way for broader acceptance of photography in art galleries and among critics.
• Evaluate the techniques employed by pictorialist photographers to achieve their artistic vision.
  • Pictorialist photographers employed various techniques such as soft focus, manipulation during the printing process, and staged compositions to achieve their artistic vision. By deliberately blurring images through soft focus, they created a dreamlike quality that evoked emotion. Additionally, they often used alternative printing methods like gum bichromate to give their works unique textures and tones, further enhancing the artistic quality of their photographs.
• Discuss the legacy of pictorialism in contemporary photography and its influence on modern photographic practices.
  • The legacy of pictorialism can be seen in contemporary photography's ongoing exploration of artistic expression and aesthetic value. While straight photography gained prominence in the 20th century, many modern photographers still draw inspiration from pictorialist techniques such as soft focus and alternative printing methods. The movement's emphasis on creating emotionally resonant images continues to influence how photographers think about their work today, demonstrating that art can be both beautiful and meaningful in capturing human experience.

Related terms

Photo-Secession: A movement led by a group of photographers in the early 20th century, advocating for photography as a fine art and supporting pictorialist principles.

Soft Focus: A technique used in pictorialism where the lens is deliberately blurred to create a dreamlike quality in photographs.

Artistic Photography: Photography that emphasizes creativity and aesthetic value over straightforward representation, often aligned with pictorialist ideals.