6 Photos That Define the 1950s
The 1950s were a decade of profound change and contrast, both in American society and globally. For the U.S. in particular, it was an era marked by postwar optimism, economic prosperity, and technological advancements. But it was also a decade of social tensions, Cold War fears, and the ever-increasing stirrings of cultural revolution. These complexities were captured in the period’s photography, from celebrity snaps by the burgeoning paparazzi to powerful images of the Civil Rights Movement taken by experienced photojournalists.
Here are six photos that encapsulate the spirit and struggles of the decade, and have become iconic images of the 1950s.
Einstein Sticking Out His Tongue (1951)
This playful photograph of Albert Einstein sticking out his tongue was taken on the renowned scientist’s 72nd birthday on March 14, 1951. Einstein was seated between Frank Aydelotte, head of the Institute of Advanced Study in Princeton, New Jersey, and his wife at a birthday celebration. The paparazzi were lurking outside, hoping to hear from — or at least take a photo of — the world-famous professor. According to some accounts, Einstein was irritated by the photographers and so he stuck his tongue out at them. Whatever his motives, the resulting photo — captured by United Press International photographer Arthur Sasse — was one of levity. It helped establish Einstein’s public image as the “nutty professor,” humanizing one of the greatest scientific minds of the 20th century. Einstein himself loved the photo and had it put on greetings cards that he sent out to friends.
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Moviegoers in 3D Glasses (1952)
Photographer J.R. Eyerman’s famous shot, taken in 1952 at the Paramount Theater in Hollywood, California, captures a pivotal moment in cinema history. The image shows a sea of moviegoers, all wearing 3D glasses, transfixed by the screen while watching Bwana Devil, the first full-length color movie in 3D. (The movie’s tagline boldly promised “A lion in your lap! A lover in your arms!”) Eyerman’s photo encapsulated the excitement and novelty of 3D technology in the 1950s, while also presenting a visually impactful image in its own right, with the striking uniformity of the smartly dressed, 3D-glasses-wearing audience. It has since become one of the most recognizable images of 1950s popular culture.
“Camelot” (1953)
In 1953, Hy Peskin, an American photographer known for several famous photographs published by Sports Illustrated and LIFE, was invited to take photographs at the home of the Kennedys. Specifically, he was to capture the then-rookie Senator John F. Kennedy and his fiancee, Jacqueline Lee Bouvier. The resulting images offered a casual yet vibrant portrayal of the young couple, in stark contrast to the typically stuffy and polished political photos of the time. One photo, which shows Kennedy and Bouvier on their boat, the Victura, became the first of 20 images of JFK to feature on the cover of LIFE. Now known as “Camelot,” the image fostered public fascination with the young couple, helping pave the way for Kennedy’s presidential victory.
Tenzing Norgay on the Summit of Mount Everest (1953)
On May 29, 1953, mountaineers Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary gazed out over Tibet from the highest point on the planet. They had just become the first people to reach the summit of Mount Everest, and soon the whole world would hear of their achievement. Many photos were taken during the expedition, but arguably the most famous is that of Norgay, a Nepalese Indian Sherpa, standing atop the highest peak in the world, his ice ax raised triumphantly in the freezing air. Hillary, an explorer from New Zealand, took the photo with a fairly basic Kodak Retina compact camera. There is, however, no comparative image of Hillary standing at the summit — the New Zealander apparently refused a photograph when Norgay offered to return the favor.
Marilyn Monroe in a White Dress (1954)
Marilyn Monroe was a defining figure of the 1950s, representing both the ideal of feminine beauty and changing attitudes toward sexuality. Countless photos were taken of the archetypal “blonde bombshell,” but none is more iconic than Sam Shaw’s photo of Monroe standing over a subway grate as her white dress billows up around her. Shaw, who was a close friend of Monroe’s, took the photo during the filming of The Seven Year Itch. Despite pushing the boundaries of what was acceptable in the conservative 1950s, the image became a near-instant classic in a decade when celebrity worship was reaching new heights.
Elizabeth Eckford and “The Scream” (1957)
In 1957, photojournalist Will Counts captured one of the most recognizable images of America’s Civil Rights Movement. The photo shows 15-year-old African American student Elizabeth Eckford walking alone as she is harassed by angry white protesters during the height of the Central High School desegregation crisis in Little Rock, Arkansas. Eckford appears calm and dignified despite the hostility surrounding her. The image captured one woman in particular in midshout, her face contorted with rage — hence the photo sometimes being known as “The Scream.”
