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COAL MINER, 1935. Kentucky coal miner taking a smoking break, Jenkins, Kentucky
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COAL MINER, 1935. Kentucky coal miner taking a smoking break, Jenkins, Kentucky
COAL MINER, 1935.
Kentucky coal miner taking a smoking break, Jenkins, Kentucky. Photograph by Ben Shahn, October 1935
Granger holds millions of images spanning more than 25,000 years of world history, from before the Stone Age to the dawn of the Space Age
Media ID 13213887
1935 Coal Denim Farm Security Administration Flashlight Great Depression Helmet Industry Kentucky Mine Miner New Deal October Overalls Poor Rural Shahn Smoking Working Class Southeast Unidentified
COAL MINER, 1935 - A Glimpse into the Resilience of Kentucky's Working Class
EDITORS COMMENTS
. This print captures a poignant moment in American history during the Great Depression. Taken by renowned photographer Ben Shahn in October 1935, it showcases an unidentified coal miner from Jenkins, Kentucky, taking a well-deserved smoking break amidst his grueling work. Dressed in rugged denim overalls and donning a protective helmet, this hardworking man stands as a symbol of strength and perseverance. The photograph highlights the harsh conditions faced by miners during this era—a time when the coal industry played a vital role in sustaining rural communities. Shahn's masterful composition draws attention to both the miner's weary expression and his trusty flashlight hanging from his belt—an essential tool for navigating through dark underground tunnels. The image evokes empathy for those who toiled tirelessly beneath the earth's surface to provide heat and energy for their fellow Americans. As part of President Roosevelt's New Deal initiatives, which aimed to alleviate poverty and stimulate economic recovery, this photograph also reflects the Farm Security Administration (FSA) documentation efforts. By capturing scenes like these across America, photographers like Shahn shed light on social issues while preserving historical moments that would otherwise be forgotten. Through this striking visual narrative captured nearly nine decades ago, we are reminded of the indomitable spirit embodied by working-class individuals who shaped our nation—often at great personal sacrifice. This remarkable piece serves as an enduring testament to
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