Dorothea Lange (1895-1965) was an influential American documentary photographer and photojournalist. She is best known for her compelling images depicting the hardships of American life during the Great Depression. Lange's photographs captured the struggles of impoverished farmers, migrant workers, and displaced families, becoming iconic symbols of that era.Lange was born on May 26, 1895, in Hoboken, New Jersey. She developed an early interest in photography and studied it formally at the New York Training School for Teachers. In 1918, she moved to San Francisco, California, where she opened a successful portrait studio.During the 1930s, Lange became involved with social activism and focused her camera on the effects of the Great Depression. She worked for various government agencies, including the Farm Security Administration (FSA), documenting the plight of displaced farmers and migrant workers. Her photographs captured the despair, resilience, and dignity of those affected by poverty and economic hardship.Lange's most famous photograph, "Migrant Mother" (1936), has become an iconic image of the Great Depression. The photograph depicts Florence Owens Thompson, a destitute mother of seven, looking worried and weary. The image resonated with the public and brought attention to the struggles faced by many during that time.Throughout her career, Lange continued to document the social issues of her time, including the internment of Japanese-Americans during World War II. After the war, she worked for Life magazine and focused on various humanitarian issues, including the plight of rural communities and migrant workers.Dorothea Lange's photographs are known for their emotional impact and ability to capture the human condition. Her work played a significant role in raising awareness and promoting social change. Lange passed away on October 11, 1965, but her photographs continue to inspire and inform people about the importance of documenting social issues through visual storytelling.
8.5 x 6.75.
Printed circa 1980s.