Dorothea Lange "Field Worker's Home" 1937

Dorothea Lange "Field Worker's Home" 1937

This photograph was captured by Dorothea Lange in 1937. As a documentary photographer, Lange famously captured the lives of many during, and after, the Great Depression. She worked with the Farm Security Administration and some of her other iconic photographs include "Migrant Mother, Nipomo, California" and "White Angel Breadline, San Francisco".

This picture has captured a family who are struggling to maintain a standard of living. Normally, we might associate the word 'home' with a proper house, a fire and home comforts. However, in this picture, Lange brings a larger realisation into the circumstances that some are finding themselves in.

What is most striking about this picture is probably the state of the 'home' itself. Made with pieces of scrap and appearing to be more of a hut, it conveys how some were living below the poverty line at the time. It also highlights the desperation people may feel to provide their families with shelter.

In addition, when looking further into the picture, you can identity a young child inside the house. The shyness and uncertainty that the child presents adds further emotion to this photograph. It causes the viewer to sympathise with the family even further. It also makes the viewer contemplate the future of the children in this picture; if they will receive an education, what career prospects they might have, etc.

In summary, this photograph is very emotive. Lange has captured what appears to be an ordinary family setting, but in the most struggling of circumstances.


Sources:

http://www.pbs.org/wnet/americanmasters/dorothea-lange-biography-with-photo-gallery/3097/