Coney Island, Brooklyn
1 of 2
Object Label
As Coney Island became more physically and economically accessible, a growing number of tourists from a variety of classes visited the seaside locale. Here, an African American family sits in the sand and enjoys a day off. The family’s presence is indicative of the democratic spirit of Coney Island, which allowed for a vibrant, if at times uneasy, mix of races and ethnicities.
Caption
George Bradford Brainerd (American, 1845–1887). Coney Island, Brooklyn, ca. 1880. Gelatin silver print, image: 9 1/2 x 13 in. (24.1 x 33 cm) sheet: 10 15/16 x 13 15/16 in. (27.8 x 35.4 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Brooklyn Museum Collection, X892.6. (Photo: Brooklyn Museum)
Gallery
Not on view
Collection
Gallery
Not on view
Collection
Artist
Title
Coney Island, Brooklyn
Date
ca. 1880
Medium
Gelatin silver print
Classification
Dimensions
image: 9 1/2 x 13 in. (24.1 x 33 cm) sheet: 10 15/16 x 13 15/16 in. (27.8 x 35.4 cm)
Credit Line
Brooklyn Museum Collection
Accession Number
X892.6
Frequent Art Questions
Is there a social context or connotation to this photograph?
This photo ties in very well to our Coney Island exhibitions. One important social context here is that Coney Island, throughout its history, was known as a place where social norms could be cast aside and the mixing of races was more easily accepted there.It seems that although their presence at the beach is enjoyable but they are still isolated (segregated) and their mood is heavy?Even at Coney Island, 1880 was only so progressive. I bet the heavy mood has something to do with their heavy clothes on the beach on a summer's day.Interesting!Be on the lookout for more indicators of casting aside of social norms in the Coney Island shows!
Have information?
Have information about an artwork? Contact us at