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TENNESSEE: MEDICINE SHOW. A medicine show in Huntingdon, Tennessee. Photograph by Ben Shahn
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TENNESSEE: MEDICINE SHOW. A medicine show in Huntingdon, Tennessee. Photograph by Ben Shahn
TENNESSEE: MEDICINE SHOW.
A medicine show in Huntingdon, Tennessee. Photograph by Ben Shahn, October 1935
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Media ID 13216639
1935 Bottle Caucasian Costume Headdress October Shahn Show Tennessee Huntingdon Southeast Unidentified
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This photograph captures the essence of a medicine show in Huntingdon, Tennessee, back in October 1935. Taken by renowned photographer Ben Shahn, this image transports us to an era when these shows were a popular form of entertainment and a source of hope for many. In the foreground stands an unidentified Caucasian man dressed in an elaborate costume, complete with a feathered headdress. He exudes confidence as he showcases his wares to the crowd gathered around him. The man holds up a bottle, presumably containing some sort of miracle cure or elixir that promises to heal all ailments. Surrounding him are other men who seem equally enthralled by the spectacle unfolding before them. Their expressions range from curiosity to skepticism, reflecting the mixed emotions often associated with such shows. The setting is an exterior location somewhere in Southeast Tennessee, adding authenticity to this slice-of-life moment frozen in time. The early 20th-century architecture visible behind the performers further immerses us into this historical scene. Ben Shahn's masterful composition and use of light capture not only the physical details but also evoke a sense of nostalgia for simpler times when people sought solace and healing through unconventional means. This print serves as both a reminder of our past and an invitation to reflect on how far we have come in terms of medical advancements while acknowledging that human fascination with magic potions and miraculous cures remains unchanged throughout history.
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