The Battery c. 1909

"The Battery" is a striking photogravure by Alvin Langdon Coburn, capturing the bustling energy of New York City in 1909. The image depicts a waterfront scene with two small boats at the forefront, obscured by steam and smoke emanating from the city's industrial heart. Coburn's masterful use of light and shadow, typical of his Pictorialist style, adds a sense of mystery and intrigue to the composition, highlighting the urban landscape's imposing presence. The photograph, reminiscent of the era's rapid industrialization and technological advancement, remains a powerful testament to Coburn's keen observation of the modern city.