Iconic photograph by Ruth Orkin

Ruth Orkin (American, 1921-1985) American Girl in Italy, 1951  Archival Fiber Baryta Pigment Print, 30 x 40 in. Award-winning photojournalist Ruth Orkin (1921-1985) was an adventurous traveler, with a camera always at the ready.  Throughout her career she photographed New York City street scenes and cityscapes, celebrities, and musicians, but the most noted image of her collection is certainly the “American Girl in Italy”.   In 1951, following an assignment in Israel, Ruth set out on her own to travel in Europe.  While in Florence, Italy she met Jinx Allen (Ninalee Craig) as both young, single, American women were traveling on their own and found themselves at the same hotel along the Arno River.  Connecting over their shared travel experiences, they set out with Jinx as model, and Ruth as photographer, to capture the reality of being an American girl in Italy. In this famed shot, Ruth Orkin captured the essence of the experience, the young woman having captivated every man on the block, admiring her with great enthusiasm as she struts by with confidence.  In the eyes of the model and photographer, this image was a celebration of strong, independent women who weren’t afraid to live life. Orkin returned to New York and in 1952 married the photographer and filmmaker Morris Engel. Together they produced two feature films, including the classic “Little Fugitive” which was nominated for an Academy Award in 1953. From their New York apartment overlooking Central Park, Orkin photographed marathons, parades, concerts, demonstrations, and the beauty of the changing seasons. These photographs were the subject of two widely acclaimed books, “A World Through My Window” and “More Pictures From My Window.” As a journalist, Orkin photographed for many prominent publishers including The New York Times andLIFE Magazine, and her images have been included in exhibitions at prominent New York museums including the Museum of Modern Art, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Museum of the City of New York, The Jewish Museum, and the International Center for Photography.  This photograph is a large scale print from the original negative.  It is from a limited edition, numbered 6/15.  The photograph is signed and titled on the back by Mary Engel, daughter of the photographer and director of the Ruth Orkin Estate.  It also includes an artist's embossed signature stamp on the front.   American Girl in Italy is priced at $8,500 (framing included). Please contact us for any additional details. art@cavaliergalleries.com or 212.570.4696