January 27, 1897

William Mortensen (January 27, 1897 to August 12, 1965) , the son of Danish immigrants, was famous more for his arguments with Ansel Adams than his fantasy themed art. Part of the discussion involved the fact this fantasy was dark and involved vulnerable women. Still, I haven't seen anything that might not have appeared on a movie poster. I think we can conclude he was a derivative artist from this photograph, tame as it might be compared to his other stuff.



You can investigate the matter yourself at this link. And I thank the Guardian for making photographs faster to load in their new gallery effect. If anyone wants more information, including the case that Mortensen was more important than Adams, here is that case.