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The Pigeons of Red Square

Dmitri Baltermants

Artwork Details

The Pigeons of Red Square
circa 1939-1990, printed 2003
Dmitri Baltermants
gelatin silver print on paper
16 x 20 in. (40.64 x 50.8 cm)
Gift of Thomas Wilson '79 and Jill Garling '80
2016/2.431

Description

Subject Matter:

In this photograph, dozens of pigeons take to the air just outside of the Kremlin walls in Moscow. The flying birds obscure a view of the crowd of people and the line of buildings that form a horizontal band across the lower register of the image. The pigeons fluctuate in and out of focus, some appearing in high detail and others as dark blurs. Some of the passersby in Red Square look over their shoulders with curious or amused expressions. It remains unclear whether these anonymous figures are watching the pigeons taking flight or if they are looking back at the photographer. 

Physical Description:

A flock of pigeons take flight in a large public square.

Usage Rights:

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