Hood Museum of Art

The Symbol of the Great Depression

By Lucy Opalka

   Simplicity can portray the subtleties of human personality. Walker Evans (Nov. 3, 1903-April 10, 1975) was a photographer who captured this idea perfectly and became well-known for his work during the Great Depression. He would uncover human anguish in his still life pictures. Evans worked for papers such as Fortune and for the Farm Security Administration to document the Depression.

In arguably his most famous shot, Walker Evans captured a middle-aged woman from the Great Depression. The woman was the wife of a sharecropper, or a person who paid for rent with crops. This was largely practiced in the south after the Civil War. Unfortunately, farmers like these struggled during the Depression due to a drought, infamously known as the Dust Bowl. Because of both the plummet in the price of food and the lack of crops, farmers were the hardest hit during the time period.

The Burroughs family, including the Allie Mae Burroughs (shown in the photograph) show perfectly how hard life was, and Allie’s portrait especially encompasses the emotions felt during the time period.

             The black and white photograph is a close-up of Allie, only showing her upper body. The background is of old wood. There is absolutely no distraction at all in the photograph. This is a positive factor, as it does not distract the viewer. It clearly shows the artist’s intention to capture her expressive face.

Allie Mae Burroughs became a symbol of the Great Depression. Her pain, frustration, pride, and utter sadness is easily recognized. Her unwashed, greasy hair and appallingly skinny body show her poverty. In all, she embodies America at her weakest point. There is no confusion within the piece. The message is clear; it is all about the helplessness, but also the pride Allie, and her country, had.

Walker Evans’ photograph is something that should be cherished throughout the ages. It is a timeless piece that captures a decade so simply and easily it is impossible to forget. The picture is even more inspiring in person, and needs to be seen.