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Arthur Rothstein portfolio

Shoeshine Man, New York City

1937
(American, 1915–1985)
America, 20th century
gelatin silver print
Image: 30.8 x 22.8 cm (12 1/8 x 9 in.); Paper: 35.7 x 27.7 cm (14 1/16 x 10 7/8 in.)
Gift of Alan and Monah L. Gettner 2002.82.5
Edition: 50 + II artist's proofs
Location: not on view
This artwork is known to be under copyright.

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Description

Rothstein worked for the Photo Unit of the Resettlement Administration, a federal agency later known as the Farm Security Administration. The agency was created to help fight rural poverty, but its small band of socially concerned photographers crisscrossed the country depicting the suffering of rural and urban populations. Their pictures were used to generate support for government aid programs. Shoeshine stands required little capital investment, making them good businesses for hard times, as long as there were enough affluent people to support the endeavor. This worker sits, ready to seize the opportunity (as mentioned in the sign above him) to serve a customer.
Shoeshine Man, New York City

Shoeshine Man, New York City

1937

Arthur Rothstein

(American, 1915–1985)
America, 20th century

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