Old Cellar Bakery, New York City after 1910

Curator: What strikes me most about Lewis Hine’s "Old Cellar Bakery, New York City" is the palpable atmosphere of labor. The flour dust clings to everything, underscoring the sheer physicality of the baker's work. Editor: The cat is a clear symbol of domesticity, but its presence in such a gritty, industrial space creates a striking visual dissonance. Is it truly a pet, or something else entirely? Curator: Hine often explored the intersections of labor and everyday life. The inclusion of the cat, amidst the flour and the baker's exhausted posture, speaks to that blend. Editor: I think the cat could also be a reference to the duality between purity and impurity. Bakeries often use cats to hunt mice and rats, the cat could be seen as a protective omen. Curator: I agree. Hine’s careful composition reveals the social conditions of the time. This image allows us to consider the role of labor, family, and even animal life. Editor: Absolutely. Examining this photograph makes me think about the enduring relationship between symbols and lived experiences.