Question

The photograph on the right, titled "migrant mother," was one of the most famous photos taken during the great depression. Who took this photograph?

1) Dorothea Lange
2) Ansel Adams
3) Edward Weston
4) Walker Evans

Answer 1

The 'Migrant Mother' photograph was taken by Dorothea Lange, a significant figure in documenting the Great Depression. Her work portrayed the challenges faced by migrant workers and helped spark government relief efforts. The photo captures Florence Thompson and her children's struggle, embodying the era's resilience.The correct option is: 1) Dorothea Lange

Step-by-step explanation:

The photograph 'Migrant Mother,' which has become an iconic representation of the Great Depression, was taken by Dorothea Lange. Lange was a renowned photographer contracted by the government to document the impact of the Great Depression on Americans. While in Nipomo, California, Lange captured the struggles of Florence Thompson and her children with her Hasselblad camera, resulting in the powerful series of photographs known as 'Migrant Mother.' These photos were instrumental in bringing attention to the plight of migrant workers and the poor, prompting aid programs and relief efforts.

Background of Dorothea Lange

Dorothea Lange, born in 1895, suffered from polio during her childhood which caused a life-long limp. Despite her physical challenges, Lange used her condition to her advantage, as it allowed her to sit still for long periods. This trait, along with her courage, enabled her to take some of the most poignant photographs in American history. Lange's collaboration with the Resettlement Administration and Farm Security Administration was a part of New Deal programs to provide employment and document the country's social conditions.

The Impact of 'Migrant Mother'

The photograph of Florence Owens Thompson, a 32-year-old mother of seven, became a symbol of perseverance amidst adversity. The image depicts the family's dire situation after a frozen rain destroyed the pea crop they were depending on for income. Comparable in its historical significance to John Steinbeck's 'Grapes of Wrath,' Lange’s 'Migrant Mother' continues to be a timeless witness to the resilience of the human spirit during the hardships of the 1930s.The correct option is: 1) Dorothea Lange