The Breakfast Room, Belle Grove Plantation, by Walker Evans

This photograph is titled “The Breakfast Room, Belle Grove Plantation,” captured by the artist Walker Evans. The location of the plantation is White Chapel, Louisiana. Walker Evans was known for his work during the 1930s, particularly the Great Depression era.

In the photograph, we observe a room interior with distinct architectural features. There are tall, slender columns lining what appears to be a passageway with a closed door at the end. The columns are decorated with ornate Corinthian capitals, showcasing a rich classical influence. Just above the columns and around the room, there’s a deep, decorative cornice adding to the room’s character. The walls are smooth, and the closed shutters on the left side suggest windows out of view. The room emanates a sense of elegant decay, evoking questions about the history and stories held within its walls. The absence of furniture and presence of subtle debris on the floor indicates that the room might be abandoned or under restoration. The overall tone of the image is solemn, with a silent narrative of the past conveyed by the empty space and the stark black and white contrasts casting soft shadows that emphasize the room’s details and textures.

Other Photographs from Walker Evans

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