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Migratory cotton picker from Kansas on highway near Merced, California, 1939. Creator: Dorothea Lange
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Migratory cotton picker from Kansas on highway near Merced, California, 1939. Creator: Dorothea Lange
Migratory cotton picker from Kansas on highway near Merced, California
Heritage Images features heritage image collections
Media ID 25327056
© Heritage Art/Heritage Images
Belongings California United States Of America Cotton Picker Farmer Itinerant Mattress Possessions Seasonal Southern Southerner Travelling Agricultural Worker Depression Dorothea Lange Dorothea Lange Taylor Dorothea Margaretta Nutzhorn Economics Farm Hand Farm Labourer Farm Worker Farmhand Farmworker Great Depression Lange Dorothea Lee Russell Motor Car Negative Nitrate Negative Nitrate Negatives Gmgpc Nutzhorn Dorothea Margaretta Recession Russell Lee Taylor Dorothea Lange
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This photo print, taken by renowned photographer Dorothea Lange in 1939, depicts a migratory cotton picker from Kansas on a highway near Merced, California. The image captures the essence of America's agricultural landscape during the Great Depression era. In this powerful composition, we see a man sitting atop his car loaded with belongings and furniture tied securely to its roof. His worn-out expression suggests the hardships faced by those who traveled across the country in search of work during this tumultuous time. The open road symbolizes both hope and uncertainty as he embarks on an itinerant journey to find employment. Lange's expert use of light and shadow emphasizes the stark contrast between the man's rugged appearance and his surroundings. The dilapidated mattress strapped to his vehicle serves as a poignant reminder of makeshift living conditions endured by migrant workers. As one of Lange's most iconic works, this photograph not only documents an individual but also reflects broader themes such as economic struggle, human resilience, and social inequality prevalent during that period. It is through images like these that we gain insight into our nation's history while acknowledging the enduring impact of photographers like Dorothea Lange who used their lens to shed light on important societal issues.
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