This is a series of nine black-and-white photographs, all showing a public event outside a large building. The images are arranged in a grid format, each displaying a crowd around a structure with a large white cross symbol. The scenes show various perspectives of the crowd, some of which are in formal attire. The cross is featured on dark draped fabric. The setting seems to be a square or courtyard near a large building. The space around the photographs is off-white, and each is numbered from 25 to 34, although the space where 30 would be is blank.
Robert Frank, Die Menschen (People) 25-34, 1942-1946, 2 1/4 inch gelatin silver prints mounted on board, Robert Frank Collection, Gift of Robert Frank, 1990.28.47

Switzerland 1941–1946

Robert Frank was born in Switzerland on November 9, 1924. He began his photography training in 1941 when he became an apprentice to the photographer and graphic designer Hermann Segesser. From 1942 to 1944 Frank served as an apprentice to, then an employee of, advertising photographer Michael Wolgensinger. Under Wolgensinger, Frank began to group his contact prints thematically and arrange them on boards, as a way to catalog, review, and edit his work. In 1944 he became an assistant to Victor Bouverat in Geneva. During these early years of his career, Frank was also influenced by the important Swiss photographers Gotthard Schuh, Paul Senn, and Jakob Tuggener.

Selected Swiss contact sheets

The collage consists of twelve black and white photographs arranged in a 3x4 grid. Each photo is numbered from 25 to 36 and depicts various landscapes and scenes with different compositions. The images capture a mix of natural elements such as water, trees, roads, and human figures or animals. The horizon placement varies across the photos, with some emphasizing the sky and others focusing on land or water. Cloud-filled skies add texture to some images. The monochrome color palette gives a timeless feel. The scenes show a mix of rural and urban landscapes, blending open space with human intervention.
Robert Frank, Die Landschaft (Landscape) 25-36, 1942-1946, 2 1/4 inch gelatin silver prints mounted on board, Robert Frank Collection, Gift of Robert Frank, 1990.28.32
The image is a collage of twelve monochromatic photographs depicting various scenes of agricultural activities. Each photo offers a different perspective often capturing moments from low angles with dynamic compositions. Details such as the subtle sheen of grain stalks and the folds in the workers' garments stand out against the clearer skies. The horizon in most images is marked either by distant trees or the outlines of buildings, framing the human figures as they engage in their tasks of harvesting and plowing fields.
Robert Frank, Die Landwirtschaft (Farming) 1-12, 1944-1946, 2 1/4 inch gelatin silver prints mounted on board, Robert Frank Collection, Gift of Robert Frank, 1990.28.43
This is a photograph of a series of various scenes from daily life and gatherings. The photograph is a collage consisting of nine smaller, individual black and white photographs arranged in a three-by-three grid on a beige background. Each photograph captures a different scene. The first shows outdoor market stalls with goods displayed. The second features a person inside a tram or bus. The third depicts a group of individuals conversing in an open area with buildings in the background. The next several images show people gathered around a food stand in a street setting, some dressed in formal clothing. There is also an image with a person in swimwear, suggesting a leisure or beach setting. Additionally, there are photographs of a large crowd gathered, possibly for an event, in front of a building adorned with Swiss crosses. These images collectively portray moments of everyday life in an urban environment, highlighting social interactions and communal gatherings.
Robert Frank, Die Menschen (People) 13-24, 1942-1946, 2 1/4 inch gelatin silver prints mounted on board, Robert Frank Collection, Gift of Robert Frank, 1990.28.46
This is a series of nine black-and-white photographs, all showing a public event outside a large building. The images are arranged in a grid format, each displaying a crowd around a structure with a large white cross symbol. The scenes show various perspectives of the crowd, some of which are in formal attire. The cross is featured on dark draped fabric. The setting seems to be a square or courtyard near a large building. The space around the photographs is off-white, and each is numbered from 25 to 34, although the space where 30 would be is blank.
Robert Frank, Die Menschen (People) 25-34, 1942-1946, 2 1/4 inch gelatin silver prints mounted on board, Robert Frank Collection, Gift of Robert Frank, 1990.28.47
This is a collage of twelve black and white photographs, each showcasing a different animal or scene. The top row features an elephant stepping over a barrier, a zebra, and a polar bear climbing. The second row shows two camels and a yak-like creature under a fence. The third row displays a polar bear near a waterfall, a dog catching a ball, and horses hitched to a carriage. The bottom row includes an image of foliage around a tree trunk, a bird perched on a flat surface, and a flock of sheep grazing in a field lined by trees.
Robert Frank, Die Tiere (Animals) 1-12, 1942-1946, 2 1/4 inch gelatin silver prints mounted on board, Robert Frank Collection, Gift of Robert Frank, 1990.28.48
The contact sheet features 12 black and white photographs capturing different scenes. Photo 1 shows a street scene with buildings, taken from a low angle. Photo 2 depicts a person reading a notice board with newspapers and posters in front of a shop. In photo 3, a large cannon is displayed in front of a building with ornate architecture. Photo 4 shows city lights reflecting on a calm body of water. Photo 5 captures two people looking out towards a river or lake with church spires in the background. Photo 6 shows a busy cafe scene under trees. Photo 7 features an open space lined with trees. Photo 8 displays two figures standing under trees alongside a wide pavement. Photo 9 provides a close-up view of tall grass stalks. Photo 10 shows a snowy landscape with bare trees. Photo 11 presents an industrial-looking crane over a harbor. Photo 12 depicts a wintry scene by a body of water with snow-laden trees and boats. The color palette consists of various shades of black, white, and gray.
Robert Frank, Zürich (Zurich) 1-12, 1942-1946, 2 1/4 inch gelatin silver prints mounted on board, Robert Frank Collection, Gift of Robert Frank, 1990.28.50
Square black and white photographs are arranged in a grid of four rows and three columns on cream-white paper and numbered 1 through 12. Most photographs show one, a pair, or small groups of children, all of whom appear to have pale skin. Number 1 is of a small boy wearing a collared shirt, black shorts, and shiny black shoes playing a toy drum hung around his neck. In number 2, two more boys march in a line down a town street following the drummer. At the top right of the page, number 3 shows a girl in dappled sunlight holding the hem of her dress out as two adults smile in the blurry background. In the next row, number 4 is of three older boys smiling and standing on a snowy hill. The middle boy has his arms around the shoulders of the other two, and the boy to our right holds that hand. Number 5 is of two older boys wearing shorts and collared shirts on bicycles on a dirt path. Next, a boy wearing a sweater smiles at the camera, both front teeth missing. About a dozen kids run toward us from a distance on a dirt path in number 7, and a boy with a boxy knapsack lies on the dirt ground to inspect something down an incline in number 8. Then seven young girls stand closely in a pack and smile widely as they point up and to our left in number 9. Number 10 shows more than fifty kids sitting on bleachers, and the final two, numbers 11 and 12, show a baby being fed a bottle in a stroller.
Robert Frank, Die Kinder (Children) 1-12, 1942-1946, 2 1/4 inch gelatin silver prints mounted on board, Robert Frank Collection, Gift of Robert Frank, 1990.28.53
This is a photograph of a collection of twelve grayscale images arranged in a grid format. The images show various scenes and subjects captured candidly. - Image 36: A busy scene with individuals around a film set or photographic setup. - Image 37: A solitary house at night under dramatic lighting. - Image 38: A person silhouetted against a shimmering water backdrop. - Images 39, 40, 41: Groups of people in a rural setting engaged in communal activities. - Image 42: A person working with machinery outdoors. - Image 43: A dramatic indoor scene with individuals. - Image 44: A portrait of a man. - Images 45, 46: Intimate interactions between two people. - Image 47: A formal portrait of an individual. The collection covers a wide thematic range including intimate portraits, community life, and individual reflection.
Robert Frank, Filmen (Filming) 36-47, 1942, 2 1/4 inch gelatin silver prints mounted on board, Robert Frank Collection, Gift of Robert Frank, 1990.28.62
The collage contains twelve black and white photographs of crates or baskets of grapes in different locations, such as market stalls and outdoor tables. The images display grapes arranged in containers, some featuring labels. Market scenes show vendors and customers interacting, with people browsing the display. The photos are arranged in a grid on a beige textured background.
Robert Frank, Die Reportage (Reportage) 37-48, 1944-1946, 2 1/4 inch gelatin silver prints mounted on board, Robert Frank Collection, Gift of Robert Frank, 1990.28.70
This is a photograph of twelve images showing scenes at a public beach or bathing area. The grid layout displays various leisure activities and environments. Image 61 shows crates of grapes with German text about health benefits. Images 62 and 63 feature individuals using outdoor showers, possibly after swimming. Image 64 depicts a busy beach scene with people enjoying the water and sand. Images 65 and 66 show aquatic activities like swimming and playing. Images 67 and 68 display people on the sand and in the water. Image 69 shows a crowd near playground equipment. Images 70, 71, and 72 show individuals on grass under shade, engaging with playground equipment. The series captures a lively day at a beach or lakeside area, emphasizing community and diverse leisure activities. The black and white format adds a timeless and nostalgic feel.
Robert Frank, Die Reportage (Reportage) 61-72, 1942-1946, 2 1/4 inch gelatin silver prints mounted on board, Robert Frank Collection, Gift of Robert Frank, 1990.28.72