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Robinson Jeffers in the doorway of Hawk Tower (Jeffers, Hawk Tower) is a black and white photograph taken by Lewis Josselyn in 1925. It shows poet Robinson Jeffers in the doorway of Hawk Tower, taken around December 1925. The photograph is a representation that conveys the essence of the poet's solitary existence amidst the beauty of Carmel Point, California. Preserved in the archives of the Monterey County Historical Society and the Tor House Foundation, this iconic image offers a window into the inner world of Jeffers and the connection he shared with the natural landscape that surrounded him. It is also included in the Robinson Jeffers Collection at the Occidental College library.

Josselyn's cover photo of Jeffers portrait from 1925 has been featured in various publications and is held in the archives of the Tor House Foundation.

Setting
Hawk Tower, a stone edifice overlooking the Pacific Ocean, stands as a testament to Jeffers' reverence for the land and his desire for solitude. Built by Jeffers himself from native stone, the tower served as a refuge where the poet could immerse himself in the elemental forces of nature and find inspiration for his verse. The rocky shores and crashing waves of Carmel Point provide a dramatic backdrop for the scene, heightening the sense of isolation and introspection captured in the photograph.

Poet
Robinson Jeffers, portrayed in the doorway of Hawk Tower, emerges as a solitary figure amidst the rugged landscape. Clad in simple black attire, his weathered features betray a life lived close to the land, shaped by the harsh realities of the natural world. Yet, there is a sense of serenity in his demeanor, a quiet strength that speaks to his profound connection to the earth and the timeless truths he sought to convey through his poetry. Jeffers' gaze, fixed on the distant horizon, reflects a depth of contemplation and introspection, inviting viewers to share in his journey of self-discovery and spiritual awakening.

Photographer
Lewis Josselyn, renowned for his black-and-white landscape photography, brings a keen eye and sensitive touch to the portrayal of Jeffers in the doorway of Hawk Tower. Through his lens, Josselyn captures not only the physical likeness of the poet but also the essence of his being – a man at one with the natural world, yet forever reaching towards the infinite. The composition of the photograph, with Jeffers framed against the vast expanse of sea and sky, creates a sense of harmony and balance, emphasizing the interplay between the individual and the cosmos.

Symbolism
In Josselyn's photograph, Robinson Jeffers in the doorway of Hawk Tower becomes a symbol of the poet's enduring legacy and his quest for transcendence amidst the chaos of existence. The stone archway, weathered by time and the elements, serves as a metaphor for the passage of time and the resilience of the human spirit. Jeffers' solitary stance amidst the grandeur of nature evokes themes of solitude, contemplation, and the search for meaning in an indifferent universe. His gaze, directed towards the horizon, symbolizes a longing for connection and a yearning for spiritual enlightenment amidst the vastness of the cosmos. Conclusion: Lewis Josselyn's photograph of Robinson Jeffers in the doorway of Hawk Tower, taken around December 1925, is a timeless portrayal of the poet's solitary existence amidst the rugged beauty of Carmel Point, California. Preserved in the archives of the Monterey County Historical Society and the Tor House Foundation, this iconic image serves as a poignant reminder of Jeffers' enduring legacy and his profound connection to the natural world. As we gaze upon this evocative photograph, we are invited to contemplate the timeless truths that lie at the heart of Jeffers' poetry – the beauty of the earth, the fragility of life, and the eternal quest for meaning in an ever-changing universe.

Observations
Author Steven B. Herrmann wrote that in this image Josselyn "illuminating this idea by way of a stupendous image. Jeffers is seen standing in the entranceway to Hawk Tower dressed mostly in black, which captures this thought beautifully." Another observer wrote, Some writers have observed that in his photos of Jeffers, Josselyn transformed his vision of xxx. Prior to this, most of his figure studies had been of landscapes. With this image

Art market
A print originally created in 1925 by Josselyn, was donated to.

Prints
All prints of this image are on silver gelatin paper. Jossleyn is thought to have made about a dozen prints of this image himself; later he authorized Cole to print additional copies. The latter are stamped "Lewis Josselyn." As with all of Weston's images, the prints are contact images made directly from the negative. The original prints measure 4" x 7".

Public collections
Copies of the print today are held in the collections of the Monterey County Historical Society.