Washington, D.C., Mrs. Ella Watson, a Government Charwoman c. 1942 - 1969

"Washington, D.C., Mrs. Ella Watson, a Government Charwoman" is a 1942-1969 photograph by Gordon Parks depicting Ella Watson, a black charwoman, in her Washington D.C. home. Parks was an influential American photographer, filmmaker, musician, and writer who documented the lives of African Americans during the mid-20th century. In this photo, the reflection in the mirror highlights her humble surroundings, while the image is composed with religious figurines, candles and a rosary, which suggest Watson’s faith. This work, an example of photojournalism, is a poignant and powerful portrait of a woman struggling to find her place in the world.