Photography has been greatly influenced by many artistic movements throughout history, including the Baroque, Rococo, Romanticism, and Realism. Three of the most notable movements that have impacted photography are the works of Rembrandt, Caravaggio, and the Pre-Raphaelites. These artists had a profound impact on painting, and their techniques and styles continue to be studied and emulated by artists today. In this article, we will explore how Rembrandt, Caravaggio, and the Pre-Raphaelites have influenced photography.
The Influence of Rembrandt
Rembrandt is widely regarded as one of the greatest painters in the history of art. His use of light and shadow, also known as chiaroscuro, and his ability to capture the human form and expression with great detail and emotion have had a lasting impact on art. Rembrandt’s use of chiaroscuro, in particular, has influenced photographers in their use of lighting and shadow.
One photographer who was heavily influenced by Rembrandt’s use of light was Irving Penn. Penn was a fashion and portrait photographer known for his striking black and white images. His use of light and shadow created a dramatic effect, much like the works of Rembrandt. One of his most famous portraits, “Miles Davis, New York,” showcases Penn’s use of chiaroscuro, with a strong contrast between the light and shadow.
Another photographer who was influenced by Rembrandt is Sally Mann. Mann’s series of photographs titled “Proud Flesh” were inspired by Rembrandt’s paintings of the human body. The series features close-up images of Mann’s husband’s body after a serious injury, emphasizing the texture and emotion of the human form.
The Influence of Caravaggio
Caravaggio was an Italian painter known for his dramatic use of light and shadow and his realistic depictions of biblical scenes. His use of chiaroscuro and his attention to detail had a significant impact on the Baroque period of art.
One photographer who was influenced by Caravaggio’s dramatic lighting was Gregory Crewdson. Crewdson is known for his large-scale, cinematic photographs that often feature a single figure in a dramatic, illuminated setting. His use of light and shadow, particularly in his “Beneath the Roses” series, is reminiscent of Caravaggio’s paintings.
Another photographer who was influenced by Caravaggio is Joel-Peter Witkin. Witkin’s photographs often feature religious or mythological themes, and his use of chiaroscuro and attention to detail is similar to Caravaggio’s approach. His photograph “Sanitarium, New Mexico,” features a figure lying in a bed with a halo of light surrounding their head, a nod to Caravaggio’s religious paintings.
The Influence of the Pre-Raphaelites
The Pre-Raphaelite movement was a group of English painters who rejected the neoclassical style of art and instead embraced a more romantic, medieval-inspired aesthetic. Their use of vivid colors, attention to detail, and emphasis on nature has had a lasting impact on art.
One photographer who was influenced by the Pre-Raphaelites is Julia Margaret Cameron. Cameron was a portrait photographer who often used soft focus and dramatic lighting to create ethereal, romantic images. Her portraits of women, particularly her series “Illustrations to Tennyson’s ‘Idylls of the King’,” feature Pre-Raphaelite-inspired costumes and poses.
Another photographer who was influenced by the Pre-Raphaelites is Tim Walker. Walker’s fashion photography often features elaborate sets and costumes that are reminiscent of the Pre-Raphaelite era. His use of vibrant colors and attention to detail in his compositions are also influenced by the movement. One of his most famous photographs, “Tilda Swinton in a Dream of McQueen,” features the actress in a dress made of flowers, surrounded by a lush, colorful garden.
In addition to these photographers, the Pre-Raphaelite movement has also had a significant influence on fashion photography as a whole. The use of romantic, dreamlike settings and ethereal models has become a staple of fashion photography, particularly in high-end editorial spreads.
The works of Rembrandt, Caravaggio, and the Pre-Raphaelites have had a significant impact on photography. Their techniques and styles, particularly their use of lighting and attention to detail, have been emulated and adapted by photographers for decades. By studying these masters of painting, photographers can continue to push the boundaries of their craft and create truly stunning images.
Elena Simkina. Family photographer based in Boston, MA 