The Taubman Museum of Art hosts Peter Henry Emerson and American Naturalistic Photography |
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| Written by Yvonne Shouse |
| Monday, 18 January 2010 01:31 |
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 Rather than capturing sentimental images in the form
of portrait photography, or even mourning photography, Emerson focused on
natural scenes reminiscent of plein air painters and the Barbizon School.
He produced a photographic revolution by creating artistic photographs
that mimic human eyesight, where the main subject is in focus and
everything else fell off into moderate softness. In his groundbreaking
book Naturalistic Photography for Students of the Art, published in
England in 1889, Emerson formulated naturalistic photography, introduced
his theory of differential focusing, and instructed creative photographers
to use nature as their standard. Many younger photographers in the United States admired Emerson’s work and helped to spawn a period of naturalistic photography that lasted throughout the 1890s until the 1920s. Like Emerson, these photographers emphasized the beauty of “Mother Nature” and mankind’s harmony with her. They photographed the land in all of its forms and seasons, plus the devoted individuals who farmed it. American naturalistic photographers made simply composed, picturesque images, invariably printed in the subtle tonalities of platinum. Rather than creating utilitarian photographs related to detailed portraiture, mourning photographs, or contrived and sentimental scenes, Emerson and his peers concentrated on capturing nature and natural scenes set in rural environments. Naturalistic photography rejected much of modern, urban life, rather, as a heroic portrayal of nature and man’s relationship with nature dominated this approach to photography. Naturalistic photography coincided with America’s “back to nature” movement at the turn of the twentieth century. As the nation witnessed industry and cities grow, a distinct backlash became evident in society as outdoor activities, such as hiking and camping, became popular, as the national park movement grew, and as publications devoted to outdoor sporting events became noteworthy periodicals. American naturalistic photographers provided images that were integral to this widespread cultural groundswell, often illustrating books of poetry and literature. Naturalistic photography not only helped to shape photography as a fine art, but it also reflected an important environmental movement that led to the creation of national parks and wildlife habitats. Drawn largely from the Minneapolis Institute of Art’s permanent collection, the exhibition features seventy-five images from twenty photographers, including Edward Curtis, Alfred Stieglitz, Doris Ulmann, Henry Troth, and Rudolf Eickemeyer, Jr. The exhibition is organized by the Minneapolis Institute of Art. Visit The Taubman Museum of Art at : http://www.taubmanmuseum.org/ Click on logo below to add this article to your favorite Social Website ~ |
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