Evangelical Preachers (Russell Lee)

Traveling Evangelical Preachers, vintage silver print glossy 8 x 10 inch fiber photograph credited to Russell Lee. Photographed is identified on verso as "Vicinity Scott, La. Oct 1938. Traveling evangelists between Lafayette and Scott. They have spent 25 yrs on the road, preaching gospel and sharpening knives to make expenses. Photo by Russell Lee." Signage on wagon reads: "Repent ye shall all perish; Jesus is coming soon." Image circa 1938.

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.