Beach Accident, Coney Island, New York
Margaret Bourke-White
Description
Subject Matter:
This aerial photograph of Coney Island beach represents the aftermath of a swimming accident. A large group of people congregate in a large mass around Mary Eschner, who had nearly drowned in the Atlantic just moments earlier. It appears that even more people are gathering to see what has happened. The bird's eye vantage of the photograph allows the viewer to discern the size as well as the spiraling, hurricane-like shape of the gathering cluster of spectators, a form of visual access unavailable to those on the ground. Published in LIFE magazine, Bourke-White's powerful image transformed Eichner's personal trauma into the subject of nation-wide interest.
Physical Description:
Aerial view of a beach on which a swimming accident has occurred. A group of people swarm to the central location and focal point of the photograph, where the injured person lies.
Usage Rights:
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