Fifth Avenue Theater Interior: Drinking Fountain Behind Scenes, 1185 Broadway, Manhattan 1938

Berenice Abbott’s "Fifth Avenue Theater Interior: Drinking Fountain Behind Scenes, 1185 Broadway, Manhattan" (1938) is a striking example of her straight photography style. It depicts a stark, close-up view of a utilitarian drinking fountain in the theater's backstage area. The simple composition, with its emphasis on geometric forms and subtle lighting, highlights the everyday objects and spaces of urban life, capturing a sense of quiet anonymity. Abbott's meticulous attention to detail creates a sense of authenticity, placing the viewer directly in the scene and providing a glimpse into the often unseen corners of New York City.