Meaning: The quote "I must beware of the photo, get what I can of it and then go" by Theodore Robinson, an American painter, reflects the sentiment of approaching photography as a tool for capturing elements that can be further developed into artistic works. Robinson was an influential figure in the development of American Impressionism and was known for his ability to capture the fleeting effects of light and atmosphere in his paintings. His statement suggests a cautious approach to using photography as a reference for his artistic endeavors, emphasizing the importance of extracting essential elements from the photograph and then moving beyond its limitations to create a more expressive and subjective interpretation.

Theodore Robinson's perspective on photography is significant in the context of the late 19th century, a period marked by the emergence and popularization of photographic technology. During this time, artists were increasingly exposed to the possibilities and challenges posed by photography as a new medium for capturing and representing the visual world. As a contemporary of leading Impressionist painters such as Claude Monet and Camille Pissarro, Robinson was part of a generation that grappled with the impact of photography on traditional artistic practices.

Robinson's approach to photography as expressed in the quote suggests a nuanced understanding of the medium's potential and limitations. By cautioning himself to "beware of the photo," he acknowledges the risk of relying too heavily on the literal reproduction of a scene through photography. This sentiment aligns with the broader debates within the artistic community at the time, as some critics and artists expressed concerns about the potential threat of photography to the role of painting as a means of representing the world.

The phrase "get what I can of it and then go" implies a selective and purposeful engagement with the photographic image. Rather than attempting to replicate the photograph faithfully, Robinson advocates for extracting essential elements that can serve as a starting point for his artistic exploration. This approach reflects a conscious effort to balance the objective recording of visual information with the subjective interpretation and expressive qualities inherent in painting.

In the context of Impressionism, which prioritized the artist's subjective response to the visual world, Robinson's approach to photography aligns with the movement's emphasis on capturing fleeting impressions and atmospheric effects. The quote suggests that Robinson viewed photography as a tool for capturing raw material that could be transformed through the artist's creative vision and technical skill. This perspective resonates with the broader Impressionist goal of conveying the artist's sensory and emotional experience of a scene, rather than simply documenting its objective appearance.

Robinson's statement also raises questions about the relationship between photography and painting, particularly in terms of their respective roles in representing reality and conveying artistic expression. By advocating for a cautious and selective approach to using photography as a reference, he underscores the importance of maintaining the distinct qualities of painting as a medium capable of subjective interpretation and emotional resonance.

Overall, Theodore Robinson's quote "I must beware of the photo, get what I can of it and then go" encapsulates his thoughtful approach to incorporating photography into his artistic practice. It reflects his recognition of the potential of photography as a source of inspiration and visual information, while also emphasizing the need to transcend the limitations of the photographic image in order to create art that is imbued with personal expression and interpretive depth. Robinson's perspective offers valuable insights into the evolving relationship between photography and painting during a transformative period in the history of art.