Artwork
The Peacock Feather
The Peacock Feather is a photography by Clarence H. White. It dates from 1902 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
The Peacock Feather is a photographic work created in 1902 by Clarence H. White, currently part of The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection.
Subject & Meaning
The photograph depicts a seated woman, turned to the right, holding a peacock feather. Her attire includes a long, ruffled dress and pulled-back hair. The subject's engagement with the feather suggests a contemplative or symbolic moment, though the specific meaning is left ambiguous.
Technique & Style
The image showcases White's mastery of light and shadow, employing chiaroscuro to create depth and texture, particularly on the woman's face and dress. The dramatic interplay of light enhances the scene's emotional intensity.
History & Provenance
Created in 1902, the work is now held by The Cleveland Museum of Art, indicating its recognition within the realm of early 20th-century photography.
Context
Set against a somewhat indistinct room backdrop with a rug and a door, the focus remains on the subject, blending elements of portraiture and still life, characteristic of the Pictorialist movement's emphasis on aestheticism.
Artist & collection
Artist
Clarence Hudson White was an American photographer, teacher and a founding member of the Photo-Secession movement.
