The artwork titled “Indianapolis Newsboy, 41 Inches High, 1908,” created by Lewis Hine in the year 1908, is a compelling piece that falls under the Social Realism art movement. This genre of artwork is a photograph and is part of the “National Child Labor Committee photographs” series. The artwork encapsulates the socio-economic conditions of the early 20th century, highlighting issues related to child labor in America.
The photograph depicts a young newsboy standing in an urban street setting of Indianapolis, leaning against a barber pole, and barefoot. He is holding a newspaper, the primary tool of his trade. The boy, small in stature and likely around 41 inches tall, wears a worn-out outfit indicative of his socio-economic status. The background of the artwork features blurred elements of the bustling city, including horse-drawn carriages and pedestrians, emphasizing the contrast between the busy urban environment and the solitary child worker. The composition not only brings focus to the child’s vulnerability and resilience but also serves as a poignant commentary on the era’s labor practices involving children.
