Lunch Atop A Skyscraper

EDITORS COMMENTS

A poignant snapshot of resilience and camaraderie in the face of adversity. Captured on September 20th, 1932, this iconic photograph depicts two steel workers taking a brief respite atop the RCA building's 70-story structure in Rockefeller Center during its construction phase. As New York City swarms with crowds rushing to crowded restaurants and congested lunch counters below, these intrepid laborers have claimed their own slice of freedom. Perched precariously on a steel beam suspended over an astonishing 800-foot drop to the street level, they savor each bite of their meal while basking in the thrill of being above it all. The RCA building, at that time the largest office space holder globally, stands as a testament to human ingenuity and perseverance. Its sheer scale is dwarfed by the workers' unwavering spirits and unshakeable camaraderie. In this powerful image, we witness two men from different walks of life forging an instant bond over their shared experience – one forged in steel beams high above Manhattan's concrete jungle. Their laughter echoes through time as they indulge in a well-deserved break amidst the din of construction chaos below. Shot by Bettmann and now preserved at Fine Art Storehouse, this photograph stands not only as a testament to New York City during its golden age but also serves as an enduring tribute to friendship forged under extraordinary circumstances.