Edward Steichen

Date of Birth: March 27, 1879

Zodiac Sign: Aries

Date of Death: March 25, 1973

Biography

Edward Steichen was a Luxembourgish American photographer, painter, and curator, whose work had a profound impact on the development of photography as an art form. Born on March 27, 1879, in Bivange, Luxembourg, Steichen immigrated to the United States with his family in 1881. He began his career as a painter but soon found his true calling in photography. Steichen’s work spanned several genres, including fashion photography, war photography, and portrait photography, making him one of the most versatile photographers of the 20th century. In the early 1900s, Steichen co-founded the Photo-Secession movement with Alfred Stieglitz, which aimed to elevate photography to the status of fine art. His fashion photography work for Vogue and Vanity Fair magazines in the 1920s and 1930s set new standards in the industry. During World War II, Steichen served as the Director of the Naval Aviation Photographic Unit, capturing some of the most iconic images of the war. Post-war, Steichen became the Director of the Department of Photography at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City. One of his most significant contributions was curating the groundbreaking “The Family of Man” exhibition in 1955, which toured the world and was seen by millions. Edward Steichen passed away on March 25, 1973, in Redding, Connecticut, leaving behind a legacy that continues to influence photographers and artists today.

5 Interesting Facts about Edward Steichen

1. Edward Steichen was originally trained as a painter before he transitioned to photography.

2. He co-founded the Photo-Secession movement with Alfred Stieglitz, which played a crucial role in establishing photography as an art form.

3. Steichen was the highest-paid photographer in the world during the 1920s and 1930s.

4. His “The Family of Man” exhibition is considered one of the most influential photography exhibitions of all time and has been seen by over 9 million people.

5. Steichen served as the Director of the Naval Aviation Photographic Unit during World War II, where he captured some of the most iconic images of the conflict.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Edward Steichen

1. “A portrait is not made in the camera but on either side of it.”

2. “Photography records the gamut of feelings written on the human face, the beauty of the earth and skies that man has inherited, and the wealth and confusion man has created. It is a major force in explaining man to man.”

3. “Every other artist begins with a blank canvas, a piece of paper… the photographer begins with the finished product.”

4. “The mission of photography is to explain man to man and each man to himself. And that is no mean function.”

5. “Once you really commence to see things, then you really commence to feel things.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Edward Steichen was the highest-paid photographer in the world, though specific financial details regarding his net worth are not widely documented.

Children

Edward Steichen had two daughters, Katherine Steichen and Mary Steichen Calderone. Mary Steichen Calderone became a well-known physician and public health advocate, particularly known for her work in the field of sexual education.