The picture depicts leading silent film actress Gloria Swanson, and it was taken for the Vogue magazine.
It became one of the most iconic fashion portraits that Steichen took of Hollywood film actors and actresses, and of Swanson herself.
Steichen had a long photo session with Swanson in 1924, involving experimenting with many costume changes and lighting effects.
Steichen explains that “At the end of the session, I took a piece of black lace veil and hung it in front of her face.
[2] In February 1928, the picture was published in the magazine Vanity Fair, to coincide with the release of Sadie Thompson, a film where Swanson was the leading actress.