Car accident—U.S. 66 between Winslow and Flagstaff, Arizona 1955

Robert Frank took this black and white photograph of a car accident on U.S. Route 66, between Winslow and Flagstaff, Arizona. The image captures a group of people standing in a field, presumably witnessing the aftermath of the accident. The setting—a desolate landscape with simple houses—speaks to the socio-economic realities of rural America in the mid-20th century. Frank, a Swiss immigrant, traveled across the U.S. in the 1950s, documenting everyday life and capturing a sense of alienation and social fragmentation. His work, often critical of mainstream American values, challenged the idealized images promoted by institutions like advertising and the media. Frank's photographs can be understood as a critique of the American dream, exposing its darker sides. To understand its full impact, consult sources such as Frank’s book, "The Americans," as well as critical essays and biographical materials on Frank. Art history offers us the opportunity to delve into the complex layers of meaning embedded in visual culture.