-Right arm cut off by a veneering saw in box factory- by Lewis Hine

-Right arm cut off by a veneering saw in box factory- 1907

gelatin-silver-print

photo restoration

centre frame

outdoor photograph

black and white format

archive photography

historical photography

monochrome photography

19th century

united-states

vehicle

mechanic

This poignant photograph, " -Right arm cut off by a veneering saw in box factory-," taken in 1907 by Lewis Hine, depicts a young boy who lost his arm in a workplace accident. Hine, a renowned social documentary photographer, sought to expose the harsh working conditions endured by children in early 20th century America. The image, a stark reminder of the dangers faced by child laborers, is a powerful testament to Hine's commitment to social reform. His photograph captures the boy's stoic gaze and the stark contrast between his youthful face and the missing limb, highlighting the brutal reality of industrial accidents. This image served as a catalyst for the public to demand changes in child labor laws.

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Lewis Hine was a documentary photographer, educator, and social reformer. Trained in sociology, Hine taught at the progressive Ethical Culture School in New York City before turning his attention to photography. As a photographer for the National Child Labor Committee (NCLC), Hine traveled the United States to document children in unsafe working conditions in factories, mines, fields, and city streets. Over ten years, he created an indelible record of the human cost of an exploitative labor market, documenting the tired faces of children at the end of their shifts, or even children mutilated by industrial machinery. These disturbing photographs were used in publications and presentations created by Hine and the NCLC, and ultimately promoted sweeping policy changes designed to protect children.