A vocal advocate for photography as an art form, Heinrich Kühn belonged to a variety of camera clubs and explored new photographic techniques and processes in his native Vienna. The noted American photographer, gallerist, and editor Alfred Stieglitz—who became a close friend and colleague—exhibited Kühn’s photographs at his Gallery 291 and published them in his journal, Camera Work, as a demonstration of artistic accomplishment in photography. Here Kühn gave painterly effect to the classic still life by printing it as a photogravure. The photogravure process uses ink rather than the more common chemicals and was prized by Stieglitz’s circle for its soft, matte surface and rich range of tones.

For more on the Alfred Stieglitz collection at the Art Institute, along with in-depth object information, please visit the website: The Alfred Stieglitz Collection.