Sunday Mass at St. Mary’s, Ennis, Ireland 1954

Dorothea Lange captured this image of Sunday Mass at St. Mary’s in Ennis, Ireland, using photographic film and equipment. In the image, the tones of gray emphasize the somber mood, and the graininess gives it a raw, documentary feel. The men huddle together, seeking shelter outside the church, their coats appear worn and functional, indicative of the economic hardships they faced. Lange, known for her work documenting the effects of the Great Depression in the United States, brought the same sensitive eye to Ireland, focusing on the everyday lives of ordinary people. The image is less about the church as an institution and more about the people who seek solace within its walls. It serves as a poignant reminder of the human capacity for resilience and faith in the face of adversity. It challenges traditional notions of art by highlighting the social realities of labor, class, and survival.