1830sromanticist: Edward Steichen J. P. Morgan1903 This infamous photograph of businessman and &ls
1830sromanticist: Edward Steichen J. P. Morgan 1903 This infamous photograph of businessman and ‘robber baron’ J. P. Morgen was the second of two exposures taken by Steichen in a three minute sitting with Morgan. The first was accepted by Morgan and used as a reference for a portrait being made of him at the time, whereas this image, taken at a moment of irritation by Morgan caused when Steichen asked him ‘would you mind moving your head a bit’ shows the scowl that many business partners of Morgen had learnt to fear. The reflection on the arm of the chair held in Morgan’s left hand that has the appearance of a brandished knife adds to the unsettling effect. Steichen was thrown from Morgan’s office after the tycoon tore up the photograph, but later received an offer of $5,000 for the original negative. He refused and kept the exposure as revenge for his rude treatment at the hands of Morgan. -- source link