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RIIS: NYC TENEMENT LIFE. An Italian immigrant mother and baby in a tenement home in New York City
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RIIS: NYC TENEMENT LIFE. An Italian immigrant mother and baby in a tenement home in New York City
RIIS: NYC TENEMENT LIFE.
An Italian immigrant mother and baby in a tenement home in New York City. Photograph by Jacob Riis, c1889
Granger holds millions of images spanning more than 25,000 years of world history, from before the Stone Age to the dawn of the Space Age
Media ID 12570437
1890s Baby Daughter Downtown Immigrant Jacob Little Italy Mother Poverty Riis Room Tenement
EDITORS COMMENTS
This photograph, taken by Jacob Riis in the late 19th century, offers a poignant glimpse into the harsh reality of tenement life for Italian immigrants in New York City. In this intimate portrait, we see an Italian immigrant mother seated in a cramped tenement room with her baby nestled in her arms. The worn walls and sparse furnishings tell a story of poverty and struggle, while the mother's tired yet determined expression reflects both resilience and love. Her eyes convey a mix of hope for a better future and weariness from the daily hardships she faces. The baby, innocent and oblivious to their surroundings, represents new beginnings amidst adversity. This tender moment between mother and child captures the universal bond that transcends time and place. Riis' powerful composition allows us to witness firsthand the challenges faced by immigrant families living in overcrowded conditions during this era. Through his lens, he sheds light on the social inequality that plagued turn-of-the-century America. As we gaze upon this photograph today, it serves as a reminder of our shared history and compels us to reflect on how far we have come since then. It is also an invitation to consider those who continue to face similar struggles around the world today. This image stands as a testament to Riis' dedication as a photojournalist who sought not only to document but also advocate for change.
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