Definition

1. Proper noun:
   • Edward Steichen: A United States photographer who was a pioneer in artistic photography. He lived from 1879 to 1973 and is recognized for his significant contributions to establishing photography as a fine art form.

Usage Notes

• "Steichen" is used almost exclusively as a proper noun to refer to the individual, Edward Steichen. It is not used as a common noun with a general meaning.
• It is typically used in contexts related to art history, photography, and cultural studies.

Examples of Usage

• Proper noun:
  • The museum is hosting a major retrospective of Steichen. (This refers to an exhibition of Edward Steichen's photographic work.)
  • Steichen's early pictorialist work was highly influential. (This describes the artistic style of the photographer Edward Steichen.)

Advanced Usage

• "a Steichen": When used with an indefinite article, it can refer to a photograph taken by Edward Steichen.
  • The auction house sold a rare Steichen for a record price. (This means a photograph created by Edward Steichen.)

Variants and Related Words

• Steichenesque (adj): Resembling or characteristic of the style of Edward Steichen's photography.
  • The portrait had a Steichenesque quality in its use of light and shadow.

Synonyms

• Photographer: A person who takes photographs, especially as a profession. (This is a general term; "Steichen" is a specific instance.)
• Artist: A person skilled in a particular art. (This is a broader category that includes Steichen.)

Related Phrases and Contexts

• While there are no specific phrasal verbs or idioms containing "Steichen," the name is often associated with specific phrases in art criticism:
  • The Steichen legacy: Refers to the enduring impact of Edward Steichen's work on photography.

    • The curator spoke about the Steichen legacy in her lecture.

Noun

1. United States photographer who pioneered artistic photography (1879-1973)