Edward Steichen began his career as a painter, a self-taught artist. After becoming disenchanted with his medium, Steichen became broke with surmounting debt and alimony payments. It was then he stumbled upon the opportunity of a lifetime: a job offering for chief photographer for Vanity Fair magazine.
Steichen transformed Hollywood publicity shots into a new form of artistic portraiture. He took the traditional cutesy, perky shots of females and began portraying models as elegant women. His style incorporated nationalism with his images as well as featuring new ways of lighting and adding height and depth to pictures.
Star Power: Edward Steichen's Glamour Photography runs through January 27, 2013. Taft Museum of Art is open Wednesday - Friday, from 11:00 - 4:00, and weekends 11:00 - 5:00. Admission is only $10.00 and is free for all on Sundays.
