The Women of Storyville

E. J. Bellocq (American, 1873–1949)
Storyville Portrait, about 1912
Gelatin silver print
Snite Museum of Art, Samuel J. Schatz Fund, 1975.077

This frank photograph may appear on-brand today, but when it was taken, the image was extremely taboo. It is from a series of glass plate negatives discovered in 1967 by photographer Lee Freidlaender. He reprinted the plates, which were attributed to New Orleans photographer E. J. Bellocq, and the prints were exhibited at the Museum of Modern Art. They are candid, sympathetic portraits of women presumed to have been prostitutes in Storyville, the New Orleans district of bars, gambling houses and brothels.

These private, affirming images of women known to the photographer, the portraits reflect sympathy and trust. Such intimate images are familiar to us today and reflect the changing gender norms of a passing century. The woman is presented in a form-fitting dress, staring directly at the camera. Many words come to mind while looking at this image: provocative, brave, daring. This positive depiction of womanhood is reflective of a larger cultural movement occurring at the time that has continued to manifest itself differently, but relevantly, in the modern era: female empowerment. Bellocq’s photograph is daring—he shows a woman in her natural, raw state, a state considered improper for public view in its time. 

The portrait is powerful. The woman, whose name is lost to us, is displayed in a positive and powerful light. She stands out from the dark background identifying her body as self.  Her intent stare into the lens exudes confidence unique to the era of the photograph— this look of courage is aspirational for women, then and now. Perhaps this photograph can be a reminder to women everyone: stand up straight, be proud of who you are, and look at everything, everyone like you belong. Indeed, it could also be a reminder to men as well; like Bellocq, seek to appreciate what lies below the surface, and aim to empower women for who they are, nothing more and nothing less.