Dorothea Lange’s biography reveals a remarkable life dedicated to documenting the resilience and struggles of ordinary people. Best known for her iconic photograph, Migrant Mother, Lange redefined documentary photography, using her work to illuminate the human condition during the Great Depression and beyond.
Early life and challenges
The biography of Dorothea Lange begins in Hoboken, New Jersey, in 1895. Born to German immigrant parents, Lange faced significant challenges early in life, including a battle with polio that left her with a lifelong limp. This adversity shaped her perspective and fueled her empathy, evident throughout her career.
At age 12, her father abandoned the family. Her mother, deeply affected by the betrayal, dropped the family surname, Nutzhorn, adopting her maiden name, Lange. This reclaiming of identity resonated deeply with Dorothea and influenced her life’s work.
The spark of photography
Initially planning to become a teacher, Lange’s life changed when she discovered photography. She studied under Clarence H. White at Columbia University and gained practical experience working with New York portrait photographers.
In 1918, Lange’s cross-country travels ended unexpectedly when she was robbed in San Francisco. Stranded, she decided to stay and quickly found work at a local portrait studio. She eventually opened her own successful studio, catering to San Francisco’s elite. However, her growing awareness of social issues drew her toward a more candid approach to photography.
Photography career and great depression
A pivotal turning point in Dorothea Lange’s biography was her shift from studio portraiture to documentary photography during the Great Depression. Her work for the Farm Security Administration (FSA) produced iconic images such as Migrant Mother, White Angel Breadline, and Hoe Culture. These photographs captured the struggles of ordinary Americans and became enduring symbols of the era.
Personal life and artistic evolution
In 1920, Lange married painter Maynard Dixon, whose work and travels introduced her to the landscapes and cultures of Native American tribes. Although their marriage ended in 1935, it broadened her artistic sensibilities. She later married economist Paul Schuster Taylor, who encouraged her to document the plight of migrant workers and farmers. Together, they combined visual and written narratives to advocate for social reform.
Iconic works in Dorothea Lange’s biography
Lange’s most famous photograph, Migrant Mother, taken in 1936, features Florence Owens Thompson, a mother of seven struggling to survive. The image’s raw emotion made it a defining symbol of the Great Depression and a testament to Lange’s ability to connect with her subjects.
Her work documented more than hardship; it highlighted resilience. Lange’s images helped shape public opinion and supported New Deal initiatives aimed at alleviating poverty.
Later life and final contributions
During World War II, Lange captured the internment of Japanese Americans, photographing life in camps such as Manzanar. Despite its initial suppression, this work remains a powerful critique of government injustice.
In her later years, Lange co-founded Aperture magazine and traveled extensively, documenting her journeys with her son. These projects reflected her lifelong passion for storytelling and observation.
Legacy and philosophy
Dorothea Lange once said, “The camera is an instrument that teaches people how to see without a camera.” Her biography is a testament to her belief in photography as a tool for empathy and social change. Lange’s images continue to inspire photographers, artists, and activists, reminding us of the power of visual storytelling.
She passed away in 1965, but her legacy endures, offering an unparalleled window into the struggles and resilience of the 20th century.
