Visual

We can see that the photograph itself has quite a dull and cold tone. From first impressions, attention is drawn to the foreground where the subject himself is. This is due to a number of things; his lack of expression, clothing, pose, and lighting that has been manipulated to make him appear even more intimidating. Then, there is of course the two beams which act as a sort of frame and adds lines of symmetry. The rest of the background is slightly blurred. I think this is a good creative choice as the background appears to be the most colourful part of the photograph, if it weren’t blurred it would take attention away from the subject. Nevertheless, it is still clear that there is quite a lot of straight lines. This creates a sense of uniformity, along with the subject’s pose, which creates the impression of power and control.

Emotional response

Without knowing any context, this photograph is very intimidating on its own. Arnold Newman has posed Alfred Krupp so that his head is resting on his hands. This creates a sense of power. This is also created from the fact he is wearing a suit, an assumed expensive watch, his blank facial expression, and even the factory in the background. We can assume that Alfred is in a position of power due to all these factors. It is clear that Arnold Newman has also carefully considered the lighting, as it creates shadowing to make Krupp appear even more sinister and intimidating.

Technical – how was the photo taken

The subject, Alfred Krupp, is centred in the foreground. This is where the audiences’ line of view lands, which is important as it allows the meaning to be portrayed as Arnold Newman intended. Alfred Krupp is the main subject and so the attention should be on him, the background should not draw away from him but should add to the meaning being created. Arnold Newman has achieved this.

Conceptual – why was the photo taken / presented

In 1963, Arnold Newman was offered commission by Newsweek magazine for taking photographs of German industrialist Alfred Krupp. Newman refused at first due to the individual’s background, however he eventually proceeded with the job.

“My hair stood on end,” Newman later said. It was considered one of the most important photos by the man who became known as the father of the environmental portrait.

Contextual – who, when, where etc…the story, background, impact

The subject is Alfred Krupp, a German industrialist who ensured a continuous supply of tanks, munitions and armaments for the German army. After the war, he was convicted and sentenced to 12 years imprisonment and the forfeiture of all property.

The American photographer, Arnold Newman, was well known for his environmental portraiture. Arnold Newman said in an interview that “It turned out to be one of my best photographs,” and that “It was my impression of a Nazi who managed to survive yet killed millions of people, not all were Jews”. This must’ve been a considerably meaningful photograph to him, considering he grew up in a Jewish family.