Armistice Day, Geneva 8 - 1945

Robert Frank made this gelatin silver print, *Armistice Day, Geneva*, sometime in the 20th century. It captures a jubilant crowd in Geneva, likely celebrating the end of a conflict. Consider the context. Geneva, Switzerland, a neutral country, became a hub for international organizations, including the Red Cross and later, the League of Nations. Frank’s photograph offers an intriguing lens through which to examine how neutrality shapes national identity. Flags are visible in the crowd; these are emblems of national pride and political alignment. Frank, a Swiss-American photographer, is renowned for his documentary style. He captured everyday life, often with a critical eye on social issues. His most famous work, *The Americans*, challenged the idealized image of 1950s America. To further understand this image, research into the history of Armistice Day and the cultural landscape of post-war Geneva would be helpful. By exploring these social and institutional contexts, we can better appreciate Frank's work.