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Makeshift Bed
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Makeshift Bed
circa 1887: The cellar of 11 Ludlow Street in New York, where beggars sleep in squalid conditions. The photograph was taken by Jacob A Riis, a New York reporter with the Tribune, who later went on to become a social reformer and author. (Photo by Jacob A. Riis/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
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Jacob A. Riis
Media ID 11805708
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This powerful photograph captures the grim reality of life in late 19th-century New York City. Taken by Jacob A. Riis, a dedicated reporter turned social reformer, this image showcases the squalid conditions that beggars endured in their makeshift bed. The scene unfolds in the cellar of 11 Ludlow Street, where destitute individuals sought refuge from the harsh realities of poverty. The landscape is one of despair and desperation, as a lone male figure lies on a barrel-turned-furniture bed. The worn-out mattress barely provides any comfort or respite from his daily struggles. Riis's lens exposes the stark contrast between wealth and destitution prevalent during this era in America's history. This haunting portrayal serves as a poignant reminder of the vast disparities that plagued society at that time. Beyond his role as an accomplished photographer, Riis would go on to become an influential social reformer and author. His work shed light on the deplorable living conditions faced by many marginalized communities across New York City, sparking public outrage and ultimately leading to significant changes in housing policies. As we reflect upon this photograph today, it serves as both a historical document capturing an era long gone and a call to action for continued efforts towards creating more equitable societies worldwide.
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