Unknown Maker, American

Over the last few decades, snapshots and other everyday photographs have been collected and exhibited with serious interest. These images, celebrated for their fresh, “real” insights into specific times and places, offer what can be critical historical information. However, the act of bringing snapshots into a museum context divorces them from their original use and personal value as private objects-objects that were circulated and cherished. Their arrangement here gives some sense of a traditional photo-album display, but the thematic groups point to layers of collecting interest and curatorial selection.

Peter J. Cohen scoured flea markets, garage sales, and shops for years, amassing a collection of about 50,000 snapshots. Distinctive categories have helped him focus his selections, including At Play, Kids, Picnics, and Women Organized Neatly. Cohen has generously donated his snapshots to museums, inviting curators to make selections from his collection.