Mary Daniels, Republic Steel (Working People series) 1979

Milton Rogovin made this silver gelatin print, Mary Daniels, Republic Steel, at an unknown date. It's part of his Working People series. The beauty of this image lies in its directness, its clear-eyed presentation of a working woman. Rogovin’s tonal range captures the grit and the determination etched on Mary's face. The way the light catches the metal chain looped over her shoulder is really striking. Look closely at the texture of her gloves, and how it contrasts with the smoothness of her glasses. The artist is not trying to hide anything, instead embracing the real and tangible aspects of Mary's working life. It reminds me of the portraits of everyday people by photographers like Walker Evans or Dorothea Lange, all of whom show the inherent dignity and strength in the working class. It’s a powerful image, isn't it? It invites us to see and feel the weight of Mary's world.