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Walker Evans Photography

American, 1903-1975

Walker Evans's primary subjects were poor Americans found in rural settings, roadside stands, cheap cafes, simple bedrooms, and small-town main streets. He was drawn to capturing people when “their guard is down, and the mask is off.”

The Great Depression years of 1935–36 were some of the peak years for Evans's photography. During those important years Evans honed his skills of observation: “Stare. It is the way to educate your eye, and more. Stare, pry, listen, eavesdrop. Die knowing something. You are not here long.”

Evans's iconic images of small-town barbers, churches and cemeteries reveal a deep respect for the common man. In addition to the iconic Let Us Now Praise Famous Men, a book of photos by Walker Evans and text by American writer James Agee, published in 1941, Evans's book First and Last included the Burroughs Family photographs.

From the first day he turned to his camera, Evans brought literature, lyricism, irony and storytelling to the art of photography.

"Leaving aside the mysteries and the inequities of human talent, brains, taste and reputations, the matter of art in photography may come down to this: it is the capture and projection of the delights of seeing; it is the defining of observation full and felt," Evans said.

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Artist: Walker Evans
"Class A Steam Locomotive: The Second Set of Drivers" Walker Evans, Train Photo

"Class A Steam Locomotive: The Second Set of Drivers" Walker Evans, Train Photo

By Walker Evans

Located in New York, NY

Walker Evans Class A Steam Locomotive: The Second Set of Drivers, 1958 Inscribed "For Calvert from Walker" lower right Gelatin silver print 10 x 10 1/2 inches Provenance The artist ...

Category

1950s American Realist Walker Evans Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

JAMES AGEE, OLD FIELD POINT, LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK, 1937.
JAMES AGEE, OLD FIELD POINT, LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK, 1937.

JAMES AGEE, OLD FIELD POINT, LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK, 1937.

By Walker Evans

Located in Portland, ME

Evans, Walker (American, 1903–1975). JAMES AGEE, OLD FIELD POINT, LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK, 1937. Gelatin silver print. This example was offerd at Christies in 2018; catalogued by the...

Category

1930s Walker Evans Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

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Previously Available Items
Shoeshine Sign in a Southern Town

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Gelatin silver print, printed 1974 From the portfolio ""Walker Evans: Selected Photographs," 1974 Signed and notated "AP" on front border

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Walker Evans photography for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a wide variety of authentic Walker Evans photography available for sale on 1stDibs. You can also browse by medium to find art by Walker Evans in film, paper, photographic film and more. Much of the original work by this artist or collective was created during the 20th century and is mostly associated with the contemporary style. Not every interior allows for large Walker Evans photography, so small editions measuring 11 inches across are available. Customers who are interested in this artist might also find the work of David Seiler, Stan Gaz, and Christophe von Hohenberg. Walker Evans photography prices can differ depending upon medium, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $5,000 and tops out at $5,000, while the average work can sell for $5,000.