Sailor, Times Square, New York City 1951 - 1953

Louis Stettner took this photograph of a sailor in Times Square, New York City. The photograph has a quiet stillness, in contrast to the fast pace of New York City. It depicts a man in uniform, paused, maybe on shore leave, sitting on a stool, and looking down. I wonder, what is he thinking? What is he looking at? Does he feel lonely? The light has a delicate touch. The sailor is framed by the interior of the diner and we see details such as a poster advertising orange juice and a pizza sign. The tones are very subtle, almost like a memory. This picture almost feels like a painting. It reminds me of Edward Hopper. Artists share an ongoing dialogue. They inspire one another's creative flow. I'm sure Stettner was looking at Hopper when he made this piece, and that the conversation continues between artists and viewers today, offering diverse interpretations and meanings.