George Bradford Brainerd (American, 1845–1887). <em>Coney Island, Brooklyn</em>, ca. 1880. Gelatin silver print, image: 9 1/2 x 13 in. (24.1 x 33 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Brooklyn Museum Collection, X892.6 (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, X892.6_SL3.jpg)

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). Brooklyn Museum, Brooklyn Museum Collection, X892.6 (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, X892.6_SL3.jpg)

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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!

Coney Island, Brooklyn

George Bradford Brainerd

Photography

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.

ARTIST George Bradford Brainerd, American, 1845–1887

MEDIUM Gelatin silver print

DATES ca. 1880

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) (show scale)

COLLECTIONS Photography

ACCESSION NUMBER X892.6

CREDIT LINE Brooklyn Museum Collection

EXHIBITIONS

MUSEUM LOCATION This item is not on view

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). Brooklyn Museum, Brooklyn Museum Collection, X892.6 (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, X892.6_SL3.jpg)

IMAGE overall, X892.6_SL3.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph

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