Gittel by Roy DeCarava (1950)

The photograph “Gittel,” taken by Roy DeCarava in the year 1950, captures a street scene with a focus on signage and architecture. In the image, we see a variety of signs advertising different businesses, including an insurance broker, a public service bureau, and a lawyer, suggesting an urban setting with commercial activity. A person is visible in the shadows, standing in a doorway which adds a human element to the scene. The photo is rendered in black and white, which is typical of DeCarava’s work, often elevating the contrasts and textures of the urban environment. The signage, combined with the architectural elements like the columns and the play of light and shadow, give the image a gritty, textured quality, reflective of the mid-20th century cityscapes.

Other Photographs from Roy DeCarava

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