Art Photography

Julian Mandel (1872-1935)
Untitled-Female Study, c. Late 19th Century-Early 20th Century

Julian Mandel made early contributions to photographic art with his erotic photography. His erotic photography embraced artful compositions with a suggestive twist. He positioned his models in contrived classical poses and photographed them in both the studio and outdoors. Mandel's focus on lighting rather than shadow created dimensions and contrast, focusing on the pale white skin of his models, reminiscent of Bernini's sculptures in Rome. Mandel's choice of organic backgrounds add to the contrast and focus on the model's pose.

The image above is in our inventory at MIR Appraisal Services, Inc. and is exemplary of Mandel's works. The nude model is classically posed and her eyes and facial expressions are suggestive in nature. The background is dark, focusing on her illuminated skin.

Edward Steichen (1879 – 1973)
Multiple Portrait of Carl Sandburg, 1939

Edward Steichen's photographs added greatly to the art world, and to this day, they are revered by collectors and critics while hanging in a variety of museums around the world. Steichen began his career as as master painter in the early 20th century and mastered pictorialism in his photographs (meaning many of his photographs resemble paintings). Steichen often used straight photography methods, depicting his subject matter in a realistic manner, reducing the use of any studio manipulation of the photographs.

The photo montage above (located at MIR Appraisal Services, Inc.) depicts an expressive Carl Sandburg, the American writer, editor and poet. Sandburg was the brother-in-law of Edward Steichen, having married his sister, Lillian. In 1955, Steichen curated an exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art entitled "The Family Man," and Sandburg wrote the introduction for the exhibition catalog. The two were said to have been kindred spirits, making great contributions to both the art and literary worlds.

Jan Saudek (b. 1935)
Image #186 (Mother and daughter)

Contemporary art photographer, Jan Saudek's photographs are reminiscent of the mid-late 19th century erotic photographs (Mandel and his contemporaries) while adding a provocative thought-provoking dimension. His subject matter often examines the passage of time including the evolution from children to adults as shown in the image above of a mother and daughter.

Feel free to explore our inventory of art photography at MIR Appraisal Services, Inc.

~MIR Appraisal Services, Inc.