Subway Portrait

Currently not on view

Subway Portrait

1938

Walker Evans (American, 1903–1975)

Though Evans generally preferred to use a large-format view camera, for his New York City subway pictures he selected a 35mm Contax. Its small frame was critical for his project, as he photographed his subjects surreptitiously, the camera almost entirely concealed by his topcoat and operated by a cable that tucked into his sleeve. Working contrary to the longstanding tradition of posed portraiture, Evans captured his subjects unguarded and unawares: engrossed in the newspaper, lost in thought, laughing, chatting, or watching fellow passengers.

Currently not on view

Object Details

Title:

Subway Portrait

Date:

1938

Artist:

Walker Evans (American, 1903–1975)

Medium:

Gelatin silver print

Dimensions:

Image and sheet: 4 5/16 × 7 inches (10.9 × 17.8 cm) Mount: 5 1/16 × 7 5/8 inches (12.8 × 19.3 cm)

Classification:

Photographs

Credit Line:

Purchased with the Alfred Stieglitz Center Revolving Fund, 1999

Accession Number:

1999-31-1

Geography:

Photograph taken in New York, New York, United States, North and Central America

We are always open to learning more about our collections and updating the website. Does this record contain inaccurate information or language that you feel we should improve or change? Contact us here.

Please note that this particular artwork might not be on view when you visit. Don’t worry—we have plenty of exhibitions for you to explore.

Currently not on view