New York from the 34th Street Ferry 1914

Rachael Robinson Elmer created this print, "New York from the 34th Street Ferry," around the turn of the century. She captured a view of a bustling, modern metropolis. Consider the ferry itself. This was a time when waterways were crucial arteries of commerce and transport, and ferries were a common sight. But it was also a time of rapid urbanization and industrial expansion in New York, with new skyscrapers, factories, and a growing population. The ferry connected communities across the waterways, enabling the social and economic interactions vital to the city’s growth. Robinson Elmer was a part of the Arts and Crafts movement and a progressive female artist. Her work gives us insight into the changing urban landscape and the social dynamics of early 20th-century America. To fully appreciate such an image, we can consult period newspapers and census records to find information on the city’s economic and demographic makeup. Robinson Elmer’s work shows us that art offers a window into a specific time and place.