The Flatiron, or Fuller Building as it was originally called, located at 175 Fifth Avenue, sits on a triangular block formed by Fifth Avenue, Broadway and East 22nd Street. Edward Steichen took this photograph in 1904, evoking the streets of New York at dusk. Printed with colored inks, the photograph captures the interaction between the natural branches of the trees, the rainy streets, and the newly constructed Flatiron Building, one of the tallest buildings in New York at the time. See more
The Renaissance-style building, completed in 1902, narrows at 23rd Street, often creating a wind tunnel that lifts skirts and such. Hence the expression "23 skidoo," which police officers would announce to those observing the lifting of skirts.
This building, designed by Daniel Burnham, symbolized the latest in modern design and steel frame construction.
About Edward Steichen
Born in 1879 in Luxembourg and immigrated to the United States at an early age, Edward Steichen quickly showed artistic talent. He naturally oriented himself towards learning the techniques of lithography and photography.
Initially recognized as a pictorialist, from 1902 onwards, he collaborated actively with Alfred Stieglitz in the construction of Photo-Secession, Gallery 291 and Camera Work magazine. See more
Steichen is happy to embrace all the themes and techniques of photography.
The First World War marked a turning point when he joined the photographic service of the American Air Force based in France. Another use, another technique, Steichen adopts a new photographic vision, more precise.
Beyond his remarkable personal production, Edward Steichen remains as a tireless promoter of photography in the 20th century. He is considered one of the most famous photographers in the history of American art.
Edward Steichen died, March 25, 1973, two days shy of his ninety-fourth birthday at his farm in West Redding, Connecticut.