1. Eugène Atget
Eugène Atget significantly influenced Berenice Abbott’s artistic vision. He captured the essence of Paris with a unique perspective, focusing on everyday scenes.
Abbott discovered his work in 1925 while at Man Ray’s studio, which fueled her passion for photography. After Atget’s death in 1927, she purchased around 10,000 of his images, preserving his legacy.
Her effort to archive these images ensured that his documentary style—often ignored during his lifetime—would gain recognition.
Through her work, Abbott not only honored Atget but also laid the groundwork for modern photography in New York.
2. Jean Cocteau, Paris
Berenice Abbott captured the essence of Jean Cocteau in a series of intimate portraits. She portrayed him in bed with a vacant expression, highlighting the complexity of his character.
The paper mâché doll he cradled symbolized creativity and surrealism, reflecting Cocteau’s artistic journey.
Abbott’s choice of a white sheet against striped wallpaper created a striking contrast. This visual interplay echoed the themes found in surrealists like Giorgio de Chirico and René Magritte.
Each portrait echoed Abbott’s belief that multiple perspectives capture a person’s true nature. Thus, her work not only documented Cocteau but also the surrealist movement he represented.
3. Nightview, New York
Berenice Abbott’s “Nightview, New York” showcases the city’s vibrant energy after dark. Captured between 4:30 and 5:00 pm, the photograph highlights the bright lights of buildings and car headlights, creating a stark contrast against the cityscape.
Abbott achieved this enchanting effect by exposing the image for 15 minutes, relying solely on the ambient light from the skyline.
Taken from the Empire State Building, this iconic work represents the emergence of modernity in urban life.
On December 20, 1934, Abbott brilliantly illustrated how illumination transformed New York, emphasizing its status as a dynamic metropolis.
The photograph not only reflects the architectural grandeur but also encapsulates the relentless spirit of the city during that era.
4. Canyon: Broadway and Exchange Place, New York City, July 16, 1936
Abbott captured the narrow expanse of Exchange Place in her photograph “Canyon.” This artwork documents the striking contrast between the 25-foot-wide street and the towering skyscrapers adjacent to it.
Buildings rise impressively between 300 and 400 feet, casting dramatic shadows over pedestrians below.
Throughout the image, she emphasizes vertiginous angles, presenting an almost overwhelming sense of height and scale.
Abbott’s unique perspective invites viewers to experience the essence of New York’s urban landscape. With “Canyon,” she not only conveys architectural grandeur but also encapsulates the city’s dynamic atmosphere in a single frame.
5. Gunsmith and Police Department Headquarters, 6 Centre Market Place and 240 Centre Street, New York City, February 4, 1937
Berenice Abbott’s photograph captures the striking facade of Frank Lava Gunsmith, prominently displaying a large handgun sign.
This image oozes with a sense of place, illustrating the dynamic relationship between the shop and its neighbor, the police department.
Positioned across the street, the police headquarters underscores a narrative of authority and urban life.
Taken from a low angle, Abbott’s composition highlights the monumental nature of this everyday scene, creating a dramatic perspective.
The craftsmanship of the sign contrasts with the utilitarian architecture, revealing the layered complexity of New York’s cultural landscape.
The photograph embodies Abbott’s mission to document the essence of the city, moving beyond mere landmarks to capture the vibrancy of urban experiences.
6. Multiple beams of light
Abbott’s work vividly illustrates wave-particle duality through her innovative use of light. She captures light beams as both particles and waves, creating a captivating visual experience.
In her photograph, a large triangle serves as a focal point, while six beams radiate from a rhombus-shaped box. These beams interact with the triangle, with three exiting through the left and three reflecting on the right.
This arrangement reinforces the counterintuitive nature of light, showcasing its dual properties perfectly. Abbott’s ability to visualize complex scientific concepts highlights her mastery of photography as a modern art form.
7. Roadsign, Route 1, Maine
Source: jezzieg.com
Abbott’s photograph, “Roadsign, Route 1, Maine,” features a lone male figure confidently walking down a two-lane highway. To the left of the figure stands a fence, separating the road from lush natural surroundings.
Two signs are prominently displayed—one marks US Route 1, while the other warns against passing a stopped school bus, underscoring the need for road safety.
Tall evergreen trees rise majestically to the right of the fence, creating a striking contrast with the gray sky above.
The subdued light in the photograph connects the male figure to his environment, emphasizing his presence in this carefully composed scene.
Weissman notes that Abbott masterfully crafts this image to transcend reality itself, making it a significant showcase of her artistic realism.
