Tallahatchie County, Mississippi c. 1972 - 1986

"Tallahatchie County, Mississippi" (c. 1972-1986) is a color photograph by William Eggleston, a leading figure in the development of color photography as a fine art medium. Eggleston's work often depicts ordinary scenes from everyday life, capturing the subtle beauty and often overlooked details of the American South. This image, a snapshot of a hallway interior, is typical of his style, which eschews traditional photographic composition and instead embraces a sense of casualness and spontaneity. The composition is centered on a framed portrait of a young girl, a seemingly random object in the scene. The soft, warm lighting and the use of color further enhance the image's evocative quality, creating a sense of nostalgia and familiarity. The photograph's title references its location, underscoring Eggleston's interest in exploring the specificities of place and culture.