Edward Steichen 1879-1973

large-format photogravure, signed 'Steichen' and dated in Roman numerals by the photographer in the negative and again in pencil in the margin, inscribed 'To Mlle. Cladel with the compliments of Eduard Steichen' by the photographer and credited to him and numbered '5' in an unidentified hand in pencil on the reverse, matted, 1902 (A Life in Photography, pl. 16; The Early Years, fig. 13; The Master Prints, pl. 11; MoMA, p. 24; Whitney, fig. 6)

The photographer to Judith Cladel

By descent to a member of the Cladel family

Acquired by the present owner from the above

The photogravure offered here comes originally from the collection of Judith Cladel, Rodin's biographer and close friend.  Cladel befriended Steichen during his first trip to Europe, while he was photographing Rodin and his work.  According to Penelope Niven's biography of Steichen, Cladel was with Rodin when he saw the present image for the first time.  They were both elated, and Cladel exclaimed 'Ah, it is Rodin.  It is you between God and the Devil'  (Niven, p. 124).