“El”, Second and Third Avenue Lines by Berenice Abbott (c. 1935-39)

The photograph titled “El, Second and Third Avenue Lines” was created by artist Berenice Abbott sometime between 1935 and 1939. The black and white image captures a street view under the elevated train tracks (the El) of the Second and Third Avenue Lines in New York City. Patterns of light and shade dance across the scene, created by sunlight filtering through the El’s structure. Two figures are prominently featured in the foreground, walking down the street, dwarfed by the imposing beams and shadows of the overhead tracks. The surrounding environment includes signage for businesses like furriers and beauty shops, providing context to the urban setting of the time. The photograph is laden with strong contrasts and a sense of depth, characteristic of Abbott’s work during this period.

Other Photographs from Berenice Abbott

Scroll to Top