Examine the pictures below and think about the details in the imagery. Use the skills you acquired from the Learn section to dissect the image, and try to place these prints within a historical context. When you have finished, roll over the images to see one analysis.
- The Life of a Fireman. The New Era. Steam and Muscle.
- The juxtaposition of the fire in the building with the fire of the engine is indicative of the power humans can extend over this destructive force.
- These men, climbing ladders and walking the roof, are portrayed as exhibiting extreme courage. They place themselves in great danger to protect the lives and property of others.
- Look at the extreme order emphasized here in the absolutely straight lines of the ladder, and the uniformity of motion among the firemen.
- All of the motion is directed at fighting the fire, as the chief motions his men toward the inferno. There is a strong sense of order and control in the activity of the firemen.
- The subtitle reads "The New Era Steam and Muscle". The words makes clear what the picture displays, that machine and man are the formula for success in the present and future. Look to the right and notice the interaction between the men and the fire engine.
- The Darktown Fire Brigade-Hook and Ladder Gymnastics.
- In an egregious display of racism, the two victims are shown receiving no help. One cries for help as flames surround her, while the other is in greater danger, about to be speared with a pike. Inferring the imminent death of these two women drives home the vitriol of the Darktown series.
- These men are pictured as incapable of using the fire hoses properly. The water falls ineffectively to the ground, rather than dousing the fire. Also, note how the fire engine is lacking a steam engine to propel the water, and is instead a simple pump.
- This title is markedly different than the one above. Rather than seriously emphasizing the power of man and machine, the image infers a sense of casual play, describing the firemen's actions as "gymnastics."
- These men are portrayed not only not working together, but in fact canceling each other's efforts, resulting in further harm to the woman on the ladder.
- The awkward stance of the man entering the building indicates this man is not exhibiting courage, but is blindly walking into a burning room.
