Claire A. De Soto, St. Gabriel, Louisiana 28 - 1999

Deborah Luster's "Claire A. De Soto, St. Gabriel, Louisiana" (1999) is a poignant portrait capturing a woman's quiet strength and dignity. The subject, Claire De Soto, is depicted in a simple, yet impactful pose, her hands clasped in her lap. The sepia-toned photograph evokes a sense of timelessness and historical gravitas, with its deliberate use of light and shadow, a hallmark of Luster's photographic style. This image is part of a series, "The History of a Nickel," documenting individuals living in Louisiana's rural communities. The work celebrates the resilience and enduring spirit of everyday individuals, placing their stories within the larger narrative of American history.