Home > North America > United States of America > Pennsylvania > Bethlehem
PENNSYLVANIA: BETHLEHEM. Graveyard, housing and steel mills in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Granger
PENNSYLVANIA: BETHLEHEM. Graveyard, housing and steel mills in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
PENNSYLVANIA: BETHLEHEM.
Graveyard, housing and steel mills in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Photograph by Walker Evans in November 1935
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 13214693
1935 Bethlehem Cross Evan Evans Gravestone Graveyard Great Depression Home Housing Industry Mill New Deal November Pennsylvania Pollution Powerline Smokestack Steel Steel Mill Telephone Pole Telephone Wire Town Walker Working Class
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Arts
> Artists
> E
> Walker Evans
> Granger Art on Demand
> What's New
> North America
> United States of America
> Pennsylvania
> Bethlehem
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures the essence of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania during a pivotal moment in American history. Taken by renowned photographer Walker Evans in November 1935, this image showcases the juxtaposition of life and death, industry and community. In the foreground lies a solemn graveyard, where weathered gravestones stand as silent witnesses to lives once lived. Beyond the cemetery's boundaries, rows of modest housing can be seen, representing the working-class residents who called Bethlehem home. These homes serve as a reminder that even amidst economic hardship caused by the Great Depression, communities persevered. However, it is impossible to ignore the dominating presence of steel mills in this photograph. Towering smokestacks belch out plumes of pollution into an overcast sky while powerlines crisscross above telephone poles and wires. This industrial landscape symbolizes both progress and struggle; it represents not only Bethlehem's economic backbone but also its reliance on heavy industry for survival. Evans' composition expertly captures these contrasting elements – from the peacefulness of the graveyard to the bustling activity within town limits. It serves as a visual testament to how communities like Bethlehem were shaped by their surroundings during this era marked by social change and government intervention through programs like Roosevelt's New Deal. This powerful image invites viewers to reflect upon America's past while contemplating themes such as resilience, sacrifice, and societal transformation during one of its most challenging periods.
MADE IN THE USA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
FREE COLORIZATION SERVICE
You can choose advanced AI Colorization for this picture at no extra charge!
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.