Formerly enslaved woman, Alabama c. 1938 - 1959

Dorothea Lange made this photograph of a formerly enslaved woman in Alabama. The image captures the woman as she walks with a cane toward a weathered wooden house, her back turned to the viewer. In its historical context, the image speaks volumes about the social and economic conditions of the rural South. Consider the timing, long after the abolition of slavery, but during a period when racial inequalities persisted. The setting, a dilapidated house surrounded by overgrown vegetation, suggests poverty and neglect. The woman’s posture conveys a sense of resilience in the face of hardship. This photograph might be interpreted as a commentary on the legacy of slavery and its enduring impact on African Americans. Lange's photography often critiqued social institutions, aiming to raise awareness about injustice. To fully understand the image, we would need to consult historical documents and oral histories to learn more about the experiences of formerly enslaved people in the South. This photograph serves as a reminder that art is deeply embedded in social and institutional contexts.