Lewis Hine's "Social Work" Photography

Caption~ "Luther Watson of Kentucky" 

Annotation~ This photograph was taken in 1907, by Lewis Hine, of 14 year old Luther Watson. Lewis Hine was known for his "Social Work" photography during the "Progressive Era". Lewis Hine went around the United States taking photographs that were relevant to the condtions that poor working class and immigrant families lived in and child labor. During Hines travel through Kentucky he found Luther Watson. Luther was 14, when this image was taken in 1907, and lost his arm in an veering saw accident in a Cincinnati box factory. Luther had just lost his right arm a month previous to this photo being taken. What happened to Luther was not uncommon during this time. Photos, like Luther's, where very important in the Progressive's platform for change. This photo, of Luther, shows the world that Luther knew and the challenges he faced.