Arnold Newman was an American – Jewish photographer who was most known for his ‘environmental portraits’. In the photograph above, his subject is Alfred Krupp, a German industrialist who benefited heavily from the use of Jewish slave labour during World War 2. One theme in this photograph is religion and ideals, as Krupp and Newman have ‘conflicting’ beliefs and values, which makes the photograph even more eerie and unsettling than it already appears to be. Further more, Krupp’s face could indicate that he is looking at Newman and not at the camera, as his expression is foreboding and threatening.

Newman has manipulated the composition of this photograph in order to frame Krupp in the middle with the two pillars either side of him, and symmetrical shapes in the background. Additionally, the colours in the photograph are dark and muted as a way to mirror Krupp himself, and the things that he’s done. There is natural light shown from above Krupp’s head, which creates an image of a church or cathedral, which relates back to the theme of conflicting religions and ideals. Also, Newman is looking down on Krupp from his position behind the camera, which could be interpreted to mean that he is figuratively ‘looking down’ on him, as a way to belittle and judge him for the things he did to other people of his religion during World War 2.