Plazza Hotel 1908

Geldolph Adriaan Kessler made this photograph of the Plaza Hotel sometime in the early 20th century. What is the public role of this image? The Plaza Hotel, completed in 1907, was more than just a building; it was a symbol of New York City's burgeoning wealth and social stratification. Kessler's photograph captures this juxtaposition: the hotel looms large in the background, while in the foreground, people stroll casually through Central Park. Is the image a celebration of urban progress, or is it a subtle commentary on the division between public space and private luxury? To truly understand this photograph, we need to delve into the social and institutional contexts of its time. What role did photography play in shaping public perceptions of urban life? How did institutions like museums and galleries influence the reception of such images? To answer these questions, we might turn to contemporary newspapers, architectural records, and social surveys. Ultimately, the meaning of Kessler's photograph is contingent on its place within these complex social and institutional histories.