MacArthur Parade--Early New York City no number 20 - 1951

This gelatin silver print, "MacArthur Parade--Early New York City no number," was made by Robert Frank. Frank's image encapsulates the complexities of postwar America and the powerful social forces at play. The subject, likely a parade honoring General Douglas MacArthur, serves as a backdrop for Frank's critique. MacArthur's controversial dismissal by President Truman divided the nation, underscoring the tensions between military authority and civilian control. Frank's presentation, a series of contact sheets, invites us into his artistic process. Through a seemingly haphazard array of images he challenges the conventional norms of photographic display, questioning the authority of institutions. This work reflects the anxieties of the era, shaped by the shadow of the Cold War and the ever-present threat of nuclear annihilation. By examining contemporary newsreels, government archives, and popular media we can better understand the social conditions that shaped this photograph and its enduring impact.