Edward Steichen (Luxembourgish-American, 1879-1973)
Rodin, le Monument à Victor Hugo et le Penseur
1902
Published in Charles H. Caffin, “Progress In Photography with Special Reference To The Work Of Eduard J. Steichen”. (New York: The Century Company, February, 1908)
24 x 16.8 cm
Illustrated journal
RES0004.2025
After moving to Europe in 1900, Edward Steichen quickly became captivated with Rodin’s work. In Montparnasse, artist Fritz Thaulow (Norwegian, 1847-1906) introduced Steichen to Rodin who invited the photographer to his studio in Meudon over the course of a year. Steichen completed a series of portraits of Rodin, as well as taking a very large number of photos of his sculptures.
Steichen’s portrait of Rodin dated 1902 is reproduced in art critic Charles H. Caffin’s publication Progress in Photography featuring the sculptor with his two iconic works Monument of Victor Hugo and The Thinker.
The photograph is a testament to Rodin’s international recognition as a modern master in the early 20th century as well as a strong example of Steichen’s pictorial approach to photography. Significantly, Caffin's article was among the early critical writings that recognized photography as a legitimate art form. By focusing on Steichen's use of soft focus, atmospheric effects, and compositional techniques that paralleled those of contemporary painters, Caffin highlighted the artistic potential of photography beyond its documentary capabilities, influencing both public perception and critical evaluation of photographic works.