New York City, c. 1945
Image: 9 ⅝ × 6 ½ in. | Sheet: 11 × 7 in.
Signed, titled, and dated in pencil on verso
July 31, 2023
This photograph serves as an ode to motherhood, while offering a study in contrasts between two people. The humorous picture is also one of Helen Levitt's most cleverly constructed compositions—the body language and directed gazes both lead the eye around the picture, and give us a wealth of insight into the subjects. The upturned foot on the lower left propels the whole scene, and the rightward tilt of Levitt's camera captures the energy and forward momentum of the jovial young woman carrying the milk bottles. The peevish look of disapproval that is cast towards her only serves to accentuate her sunny disposition, as she beams her smile towards the camera and we find ourselves smiling with her. The two milk bottles' close proximity to the pregnant belly creates a fleeting visual rhyme which Helen Levitt was eagle-eyed enough to capture with her camera, reminding us why she is revered as one of the greats of street photography.
