The Cleveland Museum of Art

Collection Online as of December 25, 2025

Brownie Snapshot (Balcony in Florence)

1951

Ruth Orkin

(American, 1921–1985)
America
gelatin silver print
Image: 24.1 x 14 cm (9 1/2 x 5 1/2 in.)
Gift of Mary Engel/Ruth Orkin Photo Archive 2023.59
Location: Not on view

Did You Know?

Ruth Orkin often photographed scenes from above, shooting from the windows of high floors in buildings and even from some rooftops.

Description

In this image taken in Florence, perhaps shot from a balcony in her hotel, Orkin emphasizes formal design factors rather than the activities of street life. Her focus is on the play between the bright Italian sunlight and the dark shadows cast by the two men.
  • ?-2022
    Orkin/Engle Film & Photo Archive, given to The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH
    December 5, 2022-
    The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH
  • {{cite web|title=Brownie Snapshot (Balcony in Florence)|url=false|author=Ruth Orkin|year=1951|access-date=25 December 2025|publisher=Cleveland Museum of Art}}

Source URL:

https://www.clevelandart.org/art/2023.59