As Naturalistic Photography

Peter Henry Emerson's work and his life is mainly focus on the Naturalistic Photography and taking photos of English nature. Naturalistic Photography was one of the most important photography theories in 19th century, it has enraged the author and the mainstream of contemporary, include the leader of Pictorialism like Robinson. As one of the photography aesthetics theory which is based on science, the Naturalistic Photography and its practice has deeply influenced on the photography work before the world warⅠ, lasting on many decades. Towards the end of Victorian era, absolutely trusting of science vanished. Times have passed and circumstances have changed, Amerson's scientific constructed photography theory has to face it, he announced the death of Naturalistic Photography by himself at the end of 19th century.Amerson's theory was an important work to build the modern cultural vision; it was based on the mordernity, the waves of urbanization and the context of the mechanical reproduction age. The thesis deeply discussed the relationship between the theory and genre of art, artists, and critics contemporary with it. Including the relationship between his work and the impressionists'work and the realists'work, the influence from Constable, Miller and Whisler, especially discussed the impact from the art theory of John Raskin, Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, the Arts & Crafts Movement and decadent aesthetic. This question challenged the mordern writer like Rolandbutt and Susan Sontag.Since the Amerson's thinking has complex internal relations with science, the thesis discussed the science school which largely influenced him, including the advance in photography, biological evolutionism, sociobiology and psychopathology. We emphasized discussing of the tension between art and technique, both are symbiosis but also conflict, and discussing of the help and repress by mechanical reproduction for human being. Deep trouble lead to Amerson to make the final denial of Naturalistic Photography, artist in new period like Afred Stieglitz are trying to coordinate contradiction between human and technique by new philosophy, and may push Amerson's career back to the future.