Farm Security Administration (Russell Lee)

Farm Security Administration, original silver print glossy 4 x 5 inch photograph credited to Russell Lee. Photographed is identified on verso as "Walla Wall Co., Wash [State] 1941."

Russell Lee (July 21, 1903 – August 28, 1986), American photographer and photojournalist, best known for his work for the Farm Security Administration (FSA). His technically excellent images documented the ethnography of various American classes and cultures.

The RA and FSA are well known for the influence of their photography program, 1935-1944. Photographers and writers were hired to report and document the plight of poor farmers. The Information Division of the FSA was responsible for providing educational materials and press information to the public. Under Roy Stryker, the Information Division of the FSA adopted a goal of "introducing America to Americans." Many of the most famous Depression-era photographers were fostered by the FSA project. Walker Evans, Dorothea Lange, and Gordon Parks were three of the most famous FSA alumni. The FSA was also cited in Gordon Parks' autobiographical novel, "A Choice of Weapons."

Printed in the second half of the 20th century as part of the American Heritage Publishing Archive.

Verso bears original filing notations and credit stamping. In very good condition.

Provenance: From the American Heritage Publishing Archives.