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| Robert Frank (American, born Switzerland, 1924–2019) Trolley-New Orleans, 1955 Gelatin silver print Collection of the National Gallery of Art, Washington |
What? What is in the photograph, and what are your first impressions?
The people on the bus are looking through the windows at the photographer. White people on the front, black people behind them. Two kids in the middle. My first impression is that black people are separated from white people. The Kids symbolise innocence and no prejudice in opposition to the adults.
Who? Who is in the photograph? How do you feel when looking at the people in this image?
The working class adults and kids, each framed by the vehicle's window. It reflects the sense of isolation and social division.
Do you feel part of the image, or do you feel you are just looking on?
In my case, the image doesn't evoke any feelings; I just see the people in the bus. While I recognise the importance of the aspect, I find it difficult to connect emotionally due to the black and white colours. The photo reinforces the feeling of the past that is not directly linked to me because of differences in region, culture and personal experience.
When? When was this image taken? What does that mean in terms of historical information?
The photo was taken in 1955, in post World War II America, a period of racism and segregation in the USA. Racism was common and normal in those days. Segregation was practised everywhere, from toilets for black and white people to separate sections in public transport or entertainment venues only for whites (The Museum of Modern Art, 2021).
Why? Why did Robert Frank take this image?
The photo was intended to be used in his book to expose discrimination and racism. He was disturbed and fascinated by the American society and hierarchies he witnessed as an outsider from Switzerland. He's book "The Americans" aimed to show the American reality of discrimination and racial segregation. (The museum of Modern Art, 2021)
Why is the photograph important?
The photography documents segregation in America. It presents the uncomfortable everyday reality often cited as one of the best American society's divisions and struggles in the XX century (National Gallery of Art, n.d.; Bowdoin College Museum of Art, 2019).
How? How has the image been taken? What technical points can you discuss?
Robert Frank used a handheld 35mm Leica camera. He was "shooting from the hip", which allowed him to capture candid, unposed moments. The photo is sharp and clear because the trolley was stopped or moving slowly. The author uses the trolley's windows as natural framing, which creates a grid structure. The composition follows the rules of thirds. The photo was taken from street level. Natural daylight allows for clear visibility of passengers faces. He used black and white film. The moment is unposed and spontaneous (Bowdoin College Museum of Art, 2019).
How has your view changed after researching the image? What do you now understand the image to mean?
Initially, my view of the image as people in a bus, divided by racial differences, but my view changed significantly after learning about context. Frank, as an outsider came to America with expectations of freedom and tolerance. However, he found a society deeply divided by racial segregation. The composition with each person framed by a window and separated by white bars reflects themes of division and isolation (PBS NewsHour, n.d.).
Conclusion
Robert Frank's "Trolley - New Orleans" is a complex work that captures an important moment in American history. Research the photograph reveals the author's vision and the significance of the outsider perspective. The image invites a viewer to reflect on issues of race, power, and belonging (National Gallery of Art, n.d.).
References
National Gallery of Art. (n.d.) Trolley-New Orleans by Robert Frank. online Available at: https://www.nga.gov/artworks/118179-trolley-new-orleans Accessed 10 May 2025.
Bowdoin College Museum of Art. (2019) Object of the Month: “Trolley-New Orleans” by Robert Louis Frank. online Available at: https://www.bowdoin.edu/art-museum/news/2019/object-of-the-month-trolley-new-orleans-by-robert-louis-frank.html Accessed 10 May 2025.
The Museum of Modern Art. (2021) Robert Frank: Preview. PDF Available at: https://www.moma.org/d/pdfs/W1siZiIsIjIwMjEvMDIvMjMvNDlmc3ljbTVial9Nb01BX1JvYmVydEZyYW5rX1BSRVZJRVcucGRmIl1d/MoMA_RobertFrank_PREVIEW.pdf?sha=88652c18323f7a0a Accessed 10 May 2025.
PBS NewsHour. (n.d.) The one Robert Frank photo that might best capture America. online Available at: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/arts/the-one-robert-frank-photo-that-might-best-capture-america Accessed 10 May 2025.
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