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New York

c. 1942
(American, 1913–2009)
America, 20th century
gelatin silver print
Image: 11.3 x 17.3 cm (4 7/16 x 6 13/16 in.); Matted: 35.6 x 45.7 cm (14 x 18 in.)
John L. Severance Fund 1990.134
© Film Documents LLC, courtesy Galerie Thomas Zander, Cologne
Location: not on view
This artwork is known to be under copyright.

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Description

A traditional way to cool off from the New York City summer heat without leaving the neighborhood is to open the nearest fire hydrant and frolic in the spray. This practice, which goes back to the late 1800s, was usually initiated by residents, often children. It has perils: lowered water pressure makes it difficult to fight fires, and the runoff can flood basements. Helen Levitt here captured the bond between a young girl, overwhelmed by the excitement and cold water, and her mother, to whom she comes for comfort.
New York

New York

c. 1942

Helen Levitt

(American, 1913–2009)
America, 20th century

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