The artwork, titled “Solon Borglum,” was created by Gertrude Kasebier in 1902, and belongs to the art movement known as Pictorialism. This photograph, exemplifying the genre of photography, presents a moment in the life of Solon Borglum, encapsulating its historical and artistic significance.
In the artwork, a man in a vested suit and tie is depicted with intense focus as he works on a sculptural piece. With sculpting tools in hand, he meticulously carves a figure within a larger structure, evocative of the classical style. The central object of his devotion appears to be a horse, or a similar animal, emerging from the sculptural medium. The photograph captures not only the subject’s concentration but also the texture and details of the sculpture he is creating. The play of light and shadow, characteristic of Pictorialism, enhances the emotional and artistic depth of the scene.