Early Life and Influences

Gertrude Kasebier, a trailblazer in early 20th-century American photography, was born on May 18, 1852, in Fort Des Moines (now Des Moines). Her life's trajectory, marked by an unhappy marriage and a late introduction to art, would eventually lead her to become one of the most influential photographers of her time.

Artistic Awakening

At the age of 37, Käsebier began her artistic journey at the newly established Pratt Institute of Art and Design in Brooklyn. Under the tutelage of Arthur Wesley Dow, a pivotal figure in American art education, she was introduced to the theories of Friedrich Fröbel. This exposure significantly influenced Käsebier's work, particularly her emphasis on motherhood and its role in child development.

Photographic Career

Käsebier's transition from art student to professional photographer was swift. By 1896, she had already exhibited a substantial body of work at the Boston Camera Club, which was later showcased at the Pratt Institute in February 1897. Her success led to another exhibition at the Photographic Society of Philadelphia in 1897, where she also lectured on her work, advocating for women to pursue photography as a career.

• Key Exhibitions:
• Boston Camera Club (1896)
• Pratt Institute (February 1897)
• Photographic Society of Philadelphia (1897)

Notable Works and Collaborations

Käsebier's most striking works include:

• Yoked and Muzzled – Marriage (c1915), a poignant reflection of her own marital experiences.
• Her collaboration with William “Buffalo Bill” Cody, capturing the essence of Native American culture through photographs of the Sioux, now preserved at the National Museum of American History's Photographic History Collection at the Smithsonian Institution.

View Käsebier's Work on WahooArt: [https://WahooArt.com/@@/D3YKN8-Gertrude-Kasebier-Portrait-(Miss-N-)-Evelyn-Nesbit-from-Camera-Work-No-1](https://WahooArt.com/@@/D3YKN8-Gertrude-Kasebier-Portrait-%28Miss-N-%29-Evelyn-Nesbit-from-Camera-Work-No-1) (Amon Carter Museum of American Art, Fort Worth, United States) Explore More on WahooArt: [https://WahooArt.com/@/Gertrude-Kasebier](https://WahooArt.com/@/gertrude-kasebier) (Artist Page with detailed biography and artworks) Learn About Photography as an Art Medium on WahooArt: [https://WahooArt.com/@@/A@D3CM8R-The-Art-Media-Photography](https://WahooArt.com/@@/a@d3cm8r-the-art-media-photography) (The Art Media: Photography) Discover the World of Fine Arts with WahooArt: [https://WahooArt.com/@@/A@D3CMCH-The-Art-of-Collage](https://WahooArt.com/@@/a@d3cmch-the-art-of-collage) (The Art of Collage)

**Early Life and Career**

Gertrude Käsebier, a prominent American photographer, was born on May 18, 1852, in Fort Des Moines (now Des Moines). Her early life was marked by the sudden death of her father in 1864, leading to the family's move to Brooklyn, New York. Despite the challenges, Käsebier's mother supported the family by opening a boarding house.

**Photographic Career**

Käsebier began her photographic career at the age of 37, attending the newly established Pratt Institute of Art and Design in Brooklyn. Under the influence of Arthur Wesley Dow, a highly influential artist and art educator, Käsebier learned about the theories of Friedrich Fröbel, which greatly influenced her work, emphasizing the bond between mother and child.

• She formally studied drawing and painting but quickly became obsessed with photography.
• In 1894, Käsebier traveled to Europe to further her education, studying the chemistry of photography in Germany and later in France under American painter Frank DuMond.
• Upon returning to Brooklyn in 1895, she became an assistant to portrait photographer Samuel H. Lifshey, learning how to run a studio and expand her knowledge of printing techniques.

**Notable Exhibitions and Works**

Käsebier's work was exhibited at the Boston Camera Club in 1897, showcasing 150 photographs. This success led to another exhibition at the Photographic Society of Philadelphia in 1897, where she also lectured on her work.

• Yoked and Muzzled – Marriage (c1915), a strikingly titled photograph, reflects Käsebier's unhappy marriage.
• Her project on the Sioux people, inspired by William “Buffalo Bill” Cody, resulted in classic photographs, including Chief Iron Tail and Chief Flying Hawk, preserved at the National Museum of American History's Photographic History Collection at the Smithsonian Institution.

**Legacy**

Käsebier's influential work in photography, particularly her images of motherhood and Native Americans, has left a lasting impact on the field. Her legacy continues to inspire new generations of photographers.

• Explore more of Käsebier's works at https://WahooArt.com/@/GertrudeKasebier
• Discover the Metropolitan Museum of Art's extensive collection, including works by Käsebier, at Metropolitan Museum of Art

**Influential Photographers like Gertrude Käsebier continue to inspire new generations. Order your favorite photograph as a museum-quality oil reproduction today at WahooArt.com.**