How did Edward Steichen’s portraits help define the culture of the 1920s and 1930s?

During the 1920s and 1930s, Edward Steichen transitioned from his earlier Pictorialist style to a focus on optical clarity and objectivity. During this period, he became a prominent commercial photographer, working primarily for Condé Nast publications such as Vogue and Vanity Fair.1

His portraits of influential cultural figures—including Gloria Swanson, Greta Garbo, and Charlie Chaplin—were instrumental in defining the era. By creating stylish and convincing images of these celebrities, Steichen helped shape the public image and aesthetic of the 1920s and 1930s. His work during these decades moved away from the "vaporous symbolism" of his earlier career, favoring a realistic approach to light, tone, and shadow that captured the spirit of the time.1