Morris Huberland emigrated from Germany as a child and grew up in the Jewish ghettos of the Lower East Side in Manhattan, where this photograph was taken. The Manhattan Bridge pictured in the background connects the island with Brooklyn.
Huberland’s photographs are notable for having a posed, yet honest feel. This photograph was likely taken after Huberland returned from serving in World War II. What is Huberland saying by placing the children in such an overwhelming, hazardous environment?
Morris Huberland, City Kids in Back Alleys by Bridge, 1945, Gelatin silver print, 7 11/16 in. x 9 1/2 in. (19.5 cm x 24.2 cm)
Photo League Collection, Museum Purchase with funds provided by Elizabeth M. Ross, the Derby Fund, John S. and Catherine Chapin Kobacker, and the Friends of the Photo League
Ida Abelman
Francis Chapin
Phillip Evergood
Irwin Hoffman
Morris Huberland
Elizabeth Olds
Moses Soyer
Raphael Soyer