The Crowd 1936

Nathan Lerner made this photograph, titled "The Crowd," using gelatin silver print, a process that gained popularity in the late 19th century for its fine detail and tonal range. Lerner's choice of material influences the image's appearance, providing a stark contrast and a sense of immediacy. The gelatin silver process allowed for mass production and dissemination of photographs, aligning with the subject matter – the crowd – reflecting themes of labor, politics, and consumption. This image speaks to the human condition amidst urban life. Lerner's use of photography, a medium often associated with documentation, imbues the artwork with social and cultural significance, as well as invites us to consider the labor involved in its creation. This challenges traditional distinctions between fine art and craft, emphasizing the importance of materials, making, and context.