IMAGE ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION OF ALFRED KRUPP

This environmental portrait was taken in 1963 by Arnold Newman, creating a menacing feel due to the low lighting and specific shadows around the mans face. The man is Alfried Krupp, a Nazi war criminal who owned many factories, mass producing dangerous arms, vehicles and other weapons. He is also known to have heavily profited from the racist slave labor imposed by the Nazis. The images intimidating atmosphere comes mostly from the dark shadows surrounding Krupp’s eyes, created by butterfly lighting, giving him a sinister appearance. His eyes are also the focal point of the image. The dark, more negative essence is further emphasized around Krupp as the background is obviously much brighter. The background is a post war view of one of Krupp’s factories. Newman uses all sorts of techniques to give the image this unnerving feel. Firstly he deliberately positions his camera so Krupp is central in the image, ignoring the rule of thirds. This, combined with the depth shown going into the background gives Krupp a sense of undeserved power.