Learning to Skate, Livonia Avenue, East New York, Brooklyn

Date

1949

Creator

This remarkably tender photograph taken on the street reflects Jaffee's acute perception, his skill at capturing a powerful moment[,] and his gift for storytelling. When he noticed this girl skating haltingly forward, supported by her father, Jaffee artfully framed his image: the concrete sidewalk seams plot a recession into the distance, while on the right, diminishing vertical mullions between tall storefront windows reinforce the processional effect. The young girl teeters on the roller skates strapped on her shoes. The adjustable straps hang down in long tails, showing how small she is. Her father--larger, visually darker and stable--slowly steps forward, supporting her by lifting her waistband, which raises her slacks and exposes her socks and narrow ankles, accentuating her insecurity. The angle of his head suggests a meaningful glance at the girl, emphasized by a chevron of light pointing up from the pavement, even though his face is not visible. A dog can be seen in the gap between father and daughter, its feathery tail at the apex of the triangle. The girl seems to be distracted by [the] animal, reaching out toward it with her hidden right hand. The arms of father and daughter cross near the center of the photograph, suggesting a bond of reassurance and trust that seems also to be a visible symbol of affection. Another child beyond, perhaps an older brother, is confident enough on his skates to chat with friends. He and his friends are bundled up. The young girl wears a wool coat and a felt hat topped by a yarn bobble. It must be winter, and the girl may be trying out a holiday present. What appears to be a pair of knitted gloves lie on the sidewalk in front of her--another obstacle from which she must be protected. Jaffee often photographed people from the back, bringing the viewer into a scene with him. These images reveal how expressive posture can be, and the photographer's sensitivity to people and events. from Acton, A History of Photography at the University of Notre Dame: Twentieth Century (Notre Dame, 2019)