Born in Bivange, Luxembourg, Edward Steichen (1879-1973) is one of the most illustrious American photographers of the 20th century. He is a major figure in the history of photography, and his œuvre marks the transition from Pictorialism to Straight Photography.

A collection of 178 photographs bequeathed by the artist to his country of origin has been kept at the MNHA since 1985 (bequest of Edward Steichen through the George Eastman House, International Museum of Photography and Film, Rochester, New York and Mrs Joanna T. Steichen, 1985). In the 1960s, following a first exhibition of his photographs at the Luxembourg State Museums, Steichen had already donated two famous collections to the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg: The Family of Man and The Bitter Years. These renowned exhibitions are currently on display at Clervaux and Dudelange respectively. Steichen’s œuvre is thus presented at three locations in Luxembourg within the context of the Steichen Collections.

At the turn of the 20th century, photographers in Europe and the United States had begun to perceive photography as a means of expression in itself. They created unique works characterized by artistic soft focus and interesting light effects.

The print owned by the MNHA is of a later date. Of smaller size, it was printed in a standard technique that was in use throughout the 20th century.

Steichen shot this view at Mamaroneck near the home of one of his friends, art critic Charles H. Caffin (1854-1918). The photograph depicts a wooded area and a pond with the moon shining through the trees, its light reflected in the water.