Newburgh, New York, 1954

This photograph is the cover of Evergreen Review, vol. 1, no. 4 (Grove Press, New York, 1957)

Robert Frank’s Newburgh, New York is a poignant example of his ability to capture quotidian moments that reveal deeper truths about society. The image features a scene from the city of Newburgh in New York, taken during his travels across the United States. Frank’s use of light and shadow creates a sense of intimacy and immediacy. The composition, with its careful attention to detail and perspective, draws the viewer into the scene, inviting them to contemplate the lives and stories of its subjects.

This lot on offer is a rare, vintage print of the image, and one four Robert Frank images in this sale that was originally published in The Americans. The Americans was originally published in 1958 and has since become a landmark in the history of photography. Frank’s work on this project was supported by the Guggenheim Fellowship, which allowed him to travel across the United States, documenting its people and places with a fresh and unflinching perspective. A key image in the series, Newburgh, New York reflects the essence of Frank’s photographic vision: capturing unguarded moments that collectively reveal the complexity of American life.