Various or unknown photographers appointed by New York City
Pretty Girl Charged with Clever Swindle: Women and Crime in Early 20th-Century New York City
The mug shot, or criminal portrait, is one of the earliest uses of police photography. Used primarily to identify known criminals, its use was not without controversy and mis-identification was common. In addition, mug shots were often used as a form of public shaming. These images capture a rich cross-section of the city’s population, depicting dress and social status in addition to possible criminal behavior. Focusing solely on women captured by police camera, this exhibit examines how these unique portraits offer a fascinating window into the lives of women in early 20th-century New York.
Organizations
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NYC Department of Records & Information Services
The New York City Department of Records and Information Service’s mission is to foster civic life by protecting, preserving, and providing access to the historical and contemporary records of New York City government, ensuring that city records are properly maintained following professional archival and record management practices, and to make materials available to diverse communities both online, and in person.
Pretty Girl Charged with Clever Swindle
archive
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2016
Featuring: Various Artists
Presented by: NYC Department of Records & Information Services
Locations
View Location Details Download a detailed map of this location Brooklyn Bridge Park – Emily Warren Roebling Plaza1 Water St
Brooklyn, NY 11201
This location is part of Brooklyn Bridge Park
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