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Lot Essay
The composition of From the Outer Rim, like Steichen's other great masterpiece in this sale, Triumph of the Egg, may at first seem puzzling. To achieve the mystical, rather eerie effect of the image, Steichen pressed a dish of some sort against a light source above. Originally acquired from Steichen's daughter Kate, it is extraordinarily rare, possibly unique.
When it was purchased, Kate Steichen indicated that most of the vintage prints from this Voulangis period had remained in the family. The very personal and empirical nature of the work Steichen produced during this melancholy post-war period may be a reason for this. For Steichen these photographs were a spiritual exercise, an experiment and a meditation.
When it was purchased, Kate Steichen indicated that most of the vintage prints from this Voulangis period had remained in the family. The very personal and empirical nature of the work Steichen produced during this melancholy post-war period may be a reason for this. For Steichen these photographs were a spiritual exercise, an experiment and a meditation.