Lower East Side c. 1942

Lisette Model’s “Lower East Side” (c. 1942) is a poignant black and white photograph that captures the essence of street life in New York City. The image shows a solitary woman, cloaked in a heavy blanket, seated on a stoop. Her face is partially obscured by the blanket, but her pensive expression and weary posture tell a story of resilience and hardship. Model's powerful composition, utilizing shadows and light, highlights the subject's isolation and emphasizes the human condition within the bustling urban landscape. This photograph, a testament to Model’s street photography, is a timeless representation of the Lower East Side and its inhabitants.