This photograph by Alfred Stieglitz was taken of a steamer heading from New York to Bremen, Germany. The scene portrays the variety of men, women, and children in the lower-class section of the boat. The people are of the working class gathering on two decks of the transatlantic steamer. The Steerage was taken during a period when many immigrants were coming to America. Since the photograph was taken as the steamer was headed to Europe from America, many critics viewed the photograph as immigrants who were turned away and were sent back to their country. Many passengers were turned away due to lack of meeting certain health or financial requirements. Another reason for passengers heading home would be that skilled artisans in woodworking, cabinet making and marble laying were given a two-year temporary visa to the United States. The photograph is in a Sepia tone and therefore the viewers have to imagine the colors on the passengers clothing and the steamer. The passengers facial expressions contain no excitement but rather blank stares of boredom or disappointment. On the lower deck is where most of the women are standing with their children.
The upper deck is crowded containing mostly men all wearing hats. From the upper deck lead a gangway bridge which appears to be white and unused.
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