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Bootblacks, New York City, 1890s C016 / 8996
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Bootblacks, New York City, 1890s C016 / 8996
Bootblacks, New York City, 1890s. 19th-century gelatin silver print of bootblacks (boot polishers) on the streets of New York City, USA. Photograph published in Street Views of New York City (1896) by US photographer Alice Austen (1866-1952). Austin produced around 8000 photographs from the 1880s to the 1920s
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Media ID 9245883
© MIRIAM AND IRA D. WALLACH DIVISION OF ART, PRINTS AND PHOTOGRAPHS/NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY/ SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
1890s 1896 Adolescent Boys Child Children City New York New York City North American Occupation Polish Polishing Poverty Seat Seated Seats Shine Shining Sitting Sociological Sociology Stall Street Teenager Urban Worker Workers Working Youth Bootblack Gelatin Silver Print Shoe Polish Street Children
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This 19th-century gelatin silver print captures the gritty reality of New York City in the 1890s. Titled "Bootblacks, New York City" this photograph by renowned US photographer Alice Austen showcases a group of young boot polishers hard at work on the bustling streets. The image is part of Austen's extensive collection, which spanned several decades and documented various aspects of American life. In this monochrome snapshot, we see a diverse group of boys seated on makeshift stalls, diligently shining shoes for passersby. Their youthful faces reflect both determination and resilience as they navigate an industrialized urban landscape filled with poverty and hardship. This poignant scene offers a glimpse into the lives of street children during that era. The historical significance of this photo lies not only in its depiction of occupation but also in its sociological implications. It sheds light on the working conditions and challenges faced by these adolescent workers, highlighting issues such as child labor and societal inequality prevalent at the time. Preserved by the Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints, and Photographs at the New York Public Library, this remarkable piece serves as a testament to Alice Austen's talent for capturing authentic moments from everyday life. Through her lens, she immortalizes these forgotten voices while providing us with valuable insights into our shared history.
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