Paul Burty Haviland was a French-American photographer, writer, and patron of the arts who played a significant role in the development of modernist photography in the early 20th century. Born into a wealthy family associated with the Haviland porcelain business, he became deeply involved in the artistic avant-garde, particularly through his connection with Alfred Stieglitz. Haviland was a key supporter of Stieglitz’s Camera Work journal and 291 gallery, both of which served as vital platforms for the promotion of modernist photography and art in the United States. As a photographer, Haviland’s work often reflected the pictorialist aesthetic championed by Stieglitz, yet he also embraced the growing influence of modernist abstraction. His intellectual contributions, including essays and criticism, further reinforced the dialogue between European and American modernism.

Haviland’s relationship with Stieglitz was one of both artistic collaboration and financial support, as his wealth enabled 291 to continue showcasing cutting-edge work from photographers and artists such as Paul Strand, Edward Steichen, and even European modernists like Pablo Picasso. While deeply committed to Stieglitz’s vision, Haviland also played an important role in expanding modernist discourse beyond photography, advocating for a broader acceptance of modern art in America. His essays often explored the intersections between photography, painting, and literature, emphasizing the importance of innovation and new forms of expression. However, by the mid-1910s, shifts in artistic priorities and personal differences led to a distancing between Haviland and Stieglitz. Despite this, Haviland’s contributions to the advancement of modernist aesthetics and the legitimization of photography as an art form remained significant.