Accession Number2003/2.75
TitleBeach Accident, Coney Island, New York
Artist(s)Margaret Bourke-WhiteArtist NationalityAmerican (North American)Object Creation Date1952; printed circa 1950sMedium & Supportgelatin silver print on paper mounted on masoniteDimensions 75 1/2 in x 60 in (191.77 cm x 152.4 cm)
Credit LineGift of Mr. and Mrs. Carl R. WithersSubject matterThis aerial photograph of Coney Island beach represents the aftermath of a swimming accident. A large group of people congregate in a large mass around Mary Eschner, who had nearly drowned in the Atlantic just moments earlier. It appears that even more people are gathering to see what has happened. The bird's eye vantage of the photograph allows the viewer to discern the size as well as the spiraling, hurricane-like shape of the gathering cluster of spectators, a form of visual access unavailable to those on the ground. Published in
LIFE magazine, Bourke-White's powerful image transformed Eichner's personal trauma into the subject of nation-wide interest.
Physical DescriptionAerial view of a beach on which a swimming accident has occurred. A group of people swarm to the central location and focal point of the photograph, where the injured person lies.
Primary Object Classification Photograph Primary Object Typeblack and white printCollection AreaPhotographyRightsIf you are interested in using an image for a publication, please visit
http://umma.umich.edu/request-image for more information and to fill out the online Image Rights and Reproductions Request Form.
Keywords
accidents
aerial photographs
amusement parks
beaches
bodies of water (natural)
groups of people
swimming