Gezicht op Broadway in New York 1860 - 1863

This photograph of Broadway in New York, was created by Edward Anthony, a significant figure in the history of American photography. This image offers a window into a rapidly changing urban landscape, likely during the mid-19th century, shaped by industrialization, immigration, and evolving social hierarchies. It prompts us to consider who is visible and who is not. The bustling street is filled with commerce and movement, but the laborers, many of whom were likely immigrants or people of color, are less distinctly captured. Anthony's choice to focus on Broadway, a center for commerce and entertainment, reflects the values of a society that was beginning to equate progress with economic growth. What narratives does this photograph perpetuate, and what stories remain untold? How does it shape our understanding of the era? Consider how this image, while capturing a specific moment in time, continues to influence our perceptions of urban life, progress, and the complex interplay of identity and representation.