The Autonomous Spiral

1949 (printed before 1979)

The Autonomous Spiral, 1949 (printed before 1979). Clarence John Laughlin (American, 1905–1985). Gelatin silver print; image: 34.1 x 26.9 cm (13 7/16 x 10 9/16 in.); paper: 34.1 x 26.9 cm (13 7/16 x 10 9/16 in.); mounted: 43.3 x 35.5 cm (17 1/16 x 14 in.). The Cleveland Museum of Art, Gift of Tom E. Hinson and Diana S. Tittle 2018.254 Laughlin’s depiction of a staircase transcends architectural documentation to become both a geometric exploration and a dream-like, surreal vision. He gives us a vertiginous view looking up rather than down, warping space through the use of light and shadow and the flattened perspective imposed by his choice of lens. The spiral staircase is a common feature of Creole architecture found throughout Louisiana.