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Ernst Cohen photograph collection

Call Number

PR 280

Date

1964-2002, inclusive

Creator

Cohen, Ernst, 1923-2009.

Extent

0.5 Linear feet

Language of Materials

This collection is primarily visual. Any text is likely to be in English.

Abstract

The Ernst Cohen Photograph Collection consists of approximately 400 black and white photographs of Manhattan from 1964 thru 2002, with the bulk of the images from the 1990's. In addition to street scenes that document New Yorkers going about everyday life, Cohen photographed a number of special events, including parades (Gay Pride, St. Patrick's Day, Turkish Day, and others), a Russ Perot rally, and various street fairs. Cohen's style reflects the documentary small-format camera street photography tradition popular during the 1960's and 70's in the United States with photographers such as Gary Winogrand and Robert Frank.

Biographical Note

Ernst Cohen (1923-2009) was an amateur photographer who lived in Brooklyn, New York for most of his life. He was born in Berlin, Germany, to David (Yitzhak) Cohen and Sarah Littmann Cohen. His father was a well known Cantor at a large synagogue in Berlin. In 1939, just before the outbreak of WWII, his parents sent Ernst and his brother to live with his mother's half sister, Clara Hirsch, and her husband, a physician in Brooklyn. Tragically, he never saw his parents again, for they were imprisoned and killed at Auschwitz in 1942.

After graduating from City University of New York, Ernst became a long-time employee of the Social Security Administration. He developed an interest in photography while still in high school, using an old pre-war Leica camera to shoot portraits and street scenes in Manhattan and Brooklyn. Eventually, he created a darkroom in his Brooklyn Heights apartment and developed his own negatives and prints.

Never married, Ernst Cohen bequeathed the contents of his apartment to his friend and neighbor, Elizabeth Cohan, who offered his photographs to the New-York Historical Society and the Brooklyn Historical Society. Ms. Cohan also provided the biographical information for this finding aide in an oral interview as well as a short written biography, a copy of which is located in the Print Room collection files.

Arrangement

The collection is arranged in three series.

Series I. Events includes street images of people at various events such as ethnic and holiday parades, street fairs, political rallies and demonstrations.

Series II. Cityscapes includes well-known streets, neighborhoods, public spaces, and candid shots of the people using them, as well as skyline photos.

Series III. Personal Photographs includes one photographs of Cohen and several photos of his Brooklyn Heights apartment.

Scope and Contents

The Ernst Cohen Photograph Collection consists of approximately 400 black and white photographs of Manhattan from 1964 thru 2002, with the bulk of the images from the 1990's. In addition to street scenes that document New Yorkers going about everyday life, Cohen photographed a number of special events, including parades (Gay Pride, St. Patrick's Day, Turkish Day, and others), a Russ Perot rally, and various street fairs. Cohen's style reflects the documentary small-format camera street photography tradition popular during the 1960's and 70's in the United States with photographers such as Gary Winogrand and Robert Frank.

Conditions Governing Access

Materials in this collection may be stored offsite. For more information on making arrangements to consult them, please visit www.nyhistory.org/library/visit.

Conditions Governing Use

Taking images of documents from the library collections for reference purposes by using hand-held cameras and in accordance with the library's photography guidelines is encouraged. As an alternative, patrons may request up to 20 images per day from staff.

Application to use images from this collection for publication should be made in writing to: Department of Rights and Reproductions, The New-York Historical Society, 170 Central Park West, New York, NY 10024-5194, rightsandrepro@nyhistory.org. Phone: (212) 873-3400 ext. 282.

Copyrights and other proprietary rights may subsist in individuals and entities other than the New-York Historical Society, in which case the patron is responsible for securing permission from those parties. For fuller information about rights and reproductions from N-YHS visit: https://www.nyhistory.org/about/rights-reproductions

Preferred Citation

This collection should be cited as: Ernst Cohen Photograph Collection, PR 280, Department of Prints, Photographs and Architectural Collections, The New-York Historical Society.

Location of Materials

Materials in this collection may be stored offsite. For more information on making arrangements to consult them, please visit www.nyhistory.org/library/visit.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Donated by Elizabeth Cohan, 2009.

Related Materials

The Brooklyn Historical Society holds a small collection of Ernst Cohen's photographs of Brooklyn, accessioned at the same time as this collection.

Collection processed by

Paula Wagner with additions by Susan Kriete

About this Guide

This finding aid was produced using ArchivesSpace on 2023-08-21 15:46:40 -0400.
Language: Description is in English.

Repository

New-York Historical Society

Series I. Events, 1964-1999, inclusive

Language of Materials

English.

Extent

0.5 Linear feet

Subseries I. Parades, 1964-1999, inclusive

Offsite-Box: 1, Folder: 1-3 (Material Type: Graphic Materials)

Language of Materials

English.

Columbus Day Parade, 1996, 1997

Offsite-Box: 1, Folder: 1 (Material Type: Graphic Materials)

Easter Parade, 1973, inclusive

Offsite-Box: 1, Folder: 2 (Material Type: Graphic Materials)

Gay Pride Parade, 1995, inclusive

Offsite-Box: 1, Folder: 3 (Material Type: Graphic Materials)

Latin American Day Parade, 1996, inclusive

Offsite-Box: 1, Folder: 4 (Material Type: Graphic Materials)

St. Patricks Day Parades, 1997, 1999

Offsite-Box: 1, Folder: 5 (Material Type: Graphic Materials)

Steuben Day Parade, 1998, inclusive

Offsite-Box: 1, Folder: 6 (Material Type: Graphic Materials)

Turkish Day Parade, 1997, inclusive

Offsite-Box: 1, Folder: 7 (Material Type: Graphic Materials)

Unidentified parade, undated

Offsite-Box: 1, Folder: 7A (Material Type: Graphic Materials)

Subseries II. Street Fairs, 1992-1998, inclusive

Offsite-Box: 1, Folder: 4 (Material Type: Graphic Materials)

Lower Broadway Fair, 1996

Offsite-Box: 1, Folder: 8 (Material Type: Graphic Materials)

Water Street Fair, 1997

Offsite-Box: 1, Folder: 8 (Material Type: Graphic Materials)

Ninth Avenue Food Fair, 1996

Offsite-Box: 1, Folder: 8 (Material Type: Graphic Materials)

Lower East Side Fair, 1996

Offsite-Box: 1, Folder: 8 (Material Type: Graphic Materials)

Unidentified, unknown

Offsite-Box: 1, Folder: 9 (Material Type: Graphic Materials)

Subseries III. Political Rallies and Demonstrations, circa 1990-1995

Offsite-Box: 1, Folder: 5 (Material Type: Graphic Materials)

Dinkins/Green Political Rally, 1993

Offsite-Box: 1, Folder: 10 (Material Type: Graphic Materials)

Ross Perot Voter Registration Drive, circa 1992

Offsite-Box: 1, Folder: 10 (Material Type: Graphic Materials)

Anti Nudity Demonstration, unknown

Offsite-Box: 1, Folder: 10 (Material Type: Graphic Materials)

Gay Rights Demonstration, circa 1990

Offsite-Box: 1, Folder: 10 (Material Type: Graphic Materials)

Series II. Cityscapes

Subseries I. Skylines and Vistas

Harbor Views, 1975-2001, inclusive

Offsite-Box: 1, Folder: 18 (Material Type: Graphic Materials)

Aerial Views, 1964-circa 1990

Offsite-Box: 1, Folder: 18 (Material Type: Graphic Materials)

Subseries II. Named Streets, 1990's

Catherine and Broadway (2), 1996

Offsite-Box: 1, Folder: 19 (Material Type: Graphic Materials)

Chambers Street and Broadway, circa 1990

Offsite-Box: 1, Folder: 19 (Material Type: Graphic Materials)

Orchard Street (3), circa 1990

Offsite-Box: 1, Folder: 19 (Material Type: Graphic Materials)

Grand Street (2), circa 1990

Offsite-Box: 1, Folder: 19 (Material Type: Graphic Materials)

West Houston and Broadway, circa 1990's

Offsite-Box: 1, Folder: 19 (Material Type: Graphic Materials)

St. Marks Place (4), circa 1990

Offsite-Box: 1, Folder: 19 (Material Type: Graphic Materials)

Subseries III: Numbered Streets and Avenues, 1990's

West 8th Street (2), 1997

Offsite-Box: 1, Folder: 11 (Material Type: Graphic Materials)

West 48th Street, circa 1990

Offsite-Box: 1, Folder: 11 (Material Type: Graphic Materials)

4th Avenue near Astor Place

Offsite-Box: 1, Folder: 11 (Material Type: Graphic Materials)

Fifth Avenue - Midtown (11), 1994-1996, inclusive

Offsite-Box: 1, Folder: 11 (Material Type: Graphic Materials)

6th Avenue and 18-19th Streets (3)

Offsite-Box: 1, Folder: 11 (Material Type: Graphic Materials)

Avenue of the Americas - Midtown (2), circa 1990

Offsite-Box: 1, Folder: 11 (Material Type: Graphic Materials)

Subseries IV. Parks, Circles and Squares, 1964-1995, inclusive

Central Park (13), 1965-1997, inclusive

Offsite-Box: 1, Folder: 12 (Material Type: Graphic Materials)

Columbus Circle, 1964

Offsite-Box: 1, Folder: 13 (Material Type: Graphic Materials)

Union Square (3), 1965

Offsite-Box: 1, Folder: 13 (Material Type: Graphic Materials)

Times Square (7), circa 1990-1993

Offsite-Box: 1, Folder: 13 (Material Type: Graphic Materials)

Subseries V. Neighborhoods, 1991-1998, inclusive

South Street Seaport (5), 1996

Offsite-Box: 1, Folder: 14 (Material Type: Graphic Materials)

Little Italy (2), circa 1990

Offsite-Box: 1, Folder: 14 (Material Type: Graphic Materials)

Chinatown (20), 1996-1998, inclusive

Offsite-Box: 1, Folder: 14 (Material Type: Graphic Materials)

Subseries VI. Street Scenes

Offsite-Box: 1, Folder: 15 (Material Type: Graphic Materials)

People, circa 1970 - 2000

Offsite-Box: 1, Folder: 15 (Material Type: Graphic Materials)

Transportation, 1964, 1994

Offsite-Box: 1, Folder: 20 (Material Type: Graphic Materials)

Graffiti and Billboards (10), 1964-2001, inclusive

Offsite-Box: 1, Folder: 21 (Material Type: Graphic Materials)

Subseries VII. Buildings, 1964-2002, inclusive

Kabbalah Learning Center (E. 48th Street), circa 1990

Offsite-Box: 1, Folder: 22 (Material Type: Graphic Materials)

Avenue B Movie Theater (2), circa 1990

Offsite-Box: 1, Folder: 22 (Material Type: Graphic Materials)

2 Columbus Circle, 1964

Offsite-Box: 1, Folder: 22 (Material Type: Graphic Materials)

Lincoln Center (2), 1997

Offsite-Box: 1, Folder: 22 (Material Type: Graphic Materials)

The Julliard School, circa 1990

Offsite-Box: 1, Folder: 22 (Material Type: Graphic Materials)

Bank of the Metropolis, 1995

Offsite-Box: 1, Folder: 22 (Material Type: Graphic Materials)

St. Patrick's Cathedral (2), 1965

Offsite-Box: 1, Folder: 22 (Material Type: Graphic Materials)

New York Public Library (3), 1994

Offsite-Box: 1, Folder: 22 (Material Type: Graphic Materials)

Pan Am Building from W. 44th St., unknown

Offsite-Box: 1, Folder: 22 (Material Type: Graphic Materials)

Pennsylvania Railroad Station (2), 1964-1965, inclusive

Offsite-Box: 1, Folder: 22 (Material Type: Graphic Materials)

492 Broome Street, circa 1990

Offsite-Box: 1, Folder: 22 (Material Type: Graphic Materials)

Municipal Building/interior and exterior (3), circa 1990

Offsite-Box: 1, Folder: 22 (Material Type: Graphic Materials)

Castle Williams - Governor's Island, 2002

Offsite-Box: 1, Folder: 22 (Material Type: Graphic Materials)

Surrogate's Court, circa 1990

Offsite-Box: 1, Folder: 22 (Material Type: Graphic Materials)

New York State Supreme Court, circa 1990

Offsite-Box: 1, Folder: 22 (Material Type: Graphic Materials)

Woolworth Building Front Entrance - color, circa 1990

Offsite-Box: 1, Folder: 22 (Material Type: Graphic Materials)

2 Broadway - Stone to Beaver Streets - color, 1964

Offsite-Box: 1, Folder: 22 (Material Type: Graphic Materials)

Subseries VIII. Storefronts and Businesses

Manny's Music, 1965

Offsite-Box: 1, Folder: 16 (Material Type: Graphic Materials)

Olde Good Things, circa 1995

Offsite-Box: 1, Folder: 16 (Material Type: Graphic Materials)

Papaya King, circa 1990

Offsite-Box: 1, Folder: 16 (Material Type: Graphic Materials)

Canal Jean Company, circa 1990

Offsite-Box: 1, Folder: 16 (Material Type: Graphic Materials)

Wig City-The Brew Burger-Income Tax Preparation Co., circa 1990

Offsite-Box: 1, Folder: 16 (Material Type: Graphic Materials)

Frank Perro Bail Bonds-Talt Steno Service-Dispossesses Law Office, circa 1990

Offsite-Box: 1, Folder: 16 (Material Type: Graphic Materials)

BiWay, circa 1990

Offsite-Box: 1, Folder: 16 (Material Type: Graphic Materials)

Think Soho

Offsite-Box: 1, Folder: 16 (Material Type: Graphic Materials)

FAO Schwarz, 1994

Offsite-Box: 1, Folder: 16 (Material Type: Graphic Materials)

Modell's at Chambers Street - color, circa 1990

Offsite-Box: 1, Folder: 16 (Material Type: Graphic Materials)

Wah Wing Sang Funeral Corp. - color (2), circa 1990

Offsite-Box: 1, Folder: 16 (Material Type: Graphic Materials)

Series III. Personal Photographs

Interior of photographer's apartment (5), unknown

Offsite-Box: 1, Folder: 17 (Material Type: Graphic Materials)

Ernst Cohen - color photo, unknown

Offsite-Box: 1, Folder: 17 (Material Type: Graphic Materials)
New-York Historical Society
170 Central Park West
New York, NY 10024