The Breadline

1933

Walker Evans

Associated Names
Walker Evans

Artist, American, 1903 - 1975

This is a black-and-white photograph of a group of people standing in line in front of a tall metal fence. The setting appears to be outdoors, with sunlight casting shadows. The individuals are dressed in simple, baggy clothing, with a mix of hats, scarves, shirts, simple dresses, and trousers. They are almost all facing away from us, but we see two people in profile, looking to the right. Many of the people appear to have dark skin, although the dramatic shadows make it hard to tell. In the background, a banner with partially visible text can be seen behind the tall fence.
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Artwork overview

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Ehlers Caudill Gallery, Chicago, IL; purchased with donated funds from Edward J. Lenkin and Katherine L. Meier by NGA, 1991.

Associated Names

Exhibition History

1991

  • Walker Evans: Subway Photographs and Other Recent Acquisitions, National Gallery of Art, Washington; Addison Gallery of American Art, Andover, 1991-1992.

Bibliography

1933

  • Beals, Carleton. The Crime of Cuba. Philadelphia, 1933: pl. 18.

1991

  • Greenough 1991, pl. 6.

Inscriptions

lower center verso stamped: WALKER EVANS

Wikidata ID

Q64171984

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