Louis Stettner. On a Dutch Ferry, 1958
Credit: Heritage Auctions

Louis Stettner was an American photographer known for his sensitive portrayal of everyday life. His images often tiptoed between street photography and photojournalism, capturing the essence of the world around him.

In “On a Dutch Ferry, 1958,” Stettner presents us with an enigmatic moment—a woman sits alone in the backseat of a car, looking to her right. Through the back window, we glimpse an out-of-focus couple engaged in a kiss. Stettner’s choice of framing leaves us with a flurry of questions. Was he in the car with the woman? Did she know her solitude was being captured, or was she even aware of the couple sharing an intimate moment behind her?

The juxtaposition in the image is thought-provoking. The woman’s gaze directed into the short space creates a bit of tension. She is isolated, almost encased in her own bubble of loneliness, while the couple is sharing an intimate moment. While we can only guess, it’s possible she might have seen the couple through the side mirror; perhaps they are the focus of her intense gaze?

From a technical perspective, the photograph employs multiple elements to enhance its visual impact. Sidelighting from the window illuminates her face, making it the brightest element in the dark interior and thus the focal point. The lines of the rear window and the side window converge towards her, almost as if pinning her in solitude. Furthermore, the texture of her clothing and the car seat adds another layer of depth to the photo, contrasting with the couple outside.

View more of Louis Stettner’s work: https://louisstettner.com/photography/

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