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Foamflower

Jeannette Klute

Artwork Details

Foamflower
1950 - 1954
Jeannette Klute
dye transfer print on paper
12 x 9 ½ in. (31.75 x 24.13 cm)
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. James Agah, Class of 1989 (BBA)
2012/2.14.11

Description

Subject Matter:

This color photograph of a heartleaf foamflower is an original dye transfer print by the artist. Klute was a pioneer of color photography and helped develop the Eastman Kodak Dye Transfer process. She left detailed notes on the conditions under which each photograph in the portfolio was taken. This particular image was taken on May 15 with a Graflex Series D (4x 5) on Koachrome film.

This image was one of 50 reproductions included in the 1954 publication of the portfolio Woodland Portraits (Plate 13). These photographs were taken over a three to four year period in Rockport and Cape Ann, Massachusetts, and Bristol, New York. The series was taken without any manipulation and minimal environmental impact, with natural light and depth of field being the primary subjects of the portfolio. Klute draws attention to often overlooked subjects, focusing in on a single plant or animal and abstracting its surroundings.

Physical Description:

This is a color photograph with three long stems with flowers and leaves constituting the central focus of the image. One leaf to the left is illuminated by the sun, making it appear a bright yellow-orange. While the majority of the image is dark, light shines on small portions of the flowers, leaves, and forest floor. 

Usage Rights:

If you are interested in using an image for a publication, please visit https://umma.umich.edu/request-image/ for more information and to fill out the online Image Rights and Reproductions Request Form.