Main Street in Pennsylvania Town by Walker Evans (1935)

The photograph “Main Street in Pennsylvania Town” is an artistic work captured by the photographer Walker Evans in the year 1935. It depicts a scene from a town in Pennsylvania, showcasing a central street captured in a timeframe that reflects the era’s economic and cultural atmosphere.

The photograph shows a statue mounted on a tall column located in what appears to be a small traffic circle or roundabout. The statue, possibly depicting a historical figure, stands prominently above the street level. Below it, the base of the column is adorned with a large clock, and there’s simple landscaping around it. The street itself has a vintage look, with tram tracks embedded in the road, indicating a public transportation system from a bygone era. Electrical and telephone wires crisscross above, connecting the traditional two- to three-story buildings lining the street. The architecture and signage suggest a mid-20th-century American small town. Shops and possibly a local theater with period-specific advertising can be seen on the right side of the street. The perspective and composition of the image offer a view down the length of the street, giving an impression of the town’s layout and daily life during the time period in which the photo was taken.

Other Photographs from Walker Evans

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