Shorty, the Bowery Cherub, New Year's Eve at Sammy's Bar 1943

Weegee, known for his gritty, candid photographs of New York City life, captured this poignant image of "Shorty, the Bowery Cherub" on New Year's Eve 1943. The photo, taken at Sammy's Bar, shows a man with dwarfism, wearing a "1943" party hat, enjoying a drink as onlookers gather around him. Weegee's signature use of harsh flash illumination creates a stark contrast and emphasizes the subject's solitary moment of celebration. This photo is a testament to Weegee's ability to find the extraordinary in the ordinary, revealing the human condition with both empathy and a touch of humor.