Edward Weston and Margrethe Mather (Primary Title)
Imogen Cunningham, American, 1883 - 1976 (Artist)
Margrethe Mather’s grasped hands, closed eyes, and draped body show her in a state of deep relaxation and familiarity with Edward Weston. The two photographers were business partners and lovers, who for nearly a decade jointly produced both portraits and abstract photographs. Imogen Cunningham captures the closeness of the two artists with their bodies intertwined, and their heads positioned together as a representation of their creative partnership. While Weston and Cunningham would later collaborate on the founding of the f.64 group, which advocated for “straight photography,” this work is representative of their earlier Pictorialist aesthetic that emphasizes an expressive quality within the photograph.
Titled, dated, typed on Trust label with photographer's facsimile signature on back of mount:"Edward Weston and/ Margrethe Mather, 1923/ Photograph by/ Imogen Cunningham/ The Imogen Cunningham Trust/ 862 Folsom Street, San Francisco, California 94107".
Artist's signature blindstamped on mount under lower right corner of image.
Gift of Dr. and Mrs. Charles McDowell
©artist or artist’s estate
Some object records are not complete and do not reflect VMFA's full and current knowledge. VMFA makes routine updates as records are reviewed and enhanced.