Ninalee Craig
Ninalee Craig also known as Jinx Allen (1928) is an American woman, known for being the subject of a series of photographs by Ruth Orkin the most notable of which is American Girl in Italy.
Photographs
In 1951, Ninalee Craig went on a six-month tour of Europe. While in Florence, Italy, she met photographer Ruth Orkin and the two became friends. Orkin photographed Craig as she walked around Florence capturing images of her shopping at markets, flirting in cafes, viewing landmarks, and other travel experiences. [1] The most iconic of the photos is known as American Girl in Italy and shows Craig walking down a street being ogled by a group of men.[2] Many interpret the photograph as one of harassment and chauvinism.[3] Craig says "At no time was I unhappy or harassed in Europe"[4] and that "[the photograph is] not a symbol of harassment. It’s a symbol of a woman having an absolutely wonderful time!"[1] and "Italian men are very appreciative, and it’s nice to be appreciated. I wasn't the least bit offended"[5]
Later life
After her trip, Craig returned to New York City and worked as a teacher and an ad writer. She was married to an Italian and lived with him in Milan, but later divorced. After returning to New York, she met a Canadian man, married him, and moved to Toronto. She has 10 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.[1]
References
- 1 2 3 "At 83, subject of 'American Girl in Italy' photo speaks out". TODAY.com. Retrieved 4 November 2014.
- ↑ "PHOTOGRAPHY REVIEW;Beyond That Single, Famous Picture". Nytimes.com. 2 June 1995. Retrieved 4 November 2014.
- ↑ "The Pulitzer Prizes - Women Who Look You Straight In the Eye". Pultizer.org. Retrieved 4 November 2014.
- ↑ "An Image of Innocence Abroad". Smithsonian. Retrieved 4 November 2014.
- ↑ "An American Girl In Italy". thestar.com. Retrieved 4 November 2014.
External links
- That’s me in the picture: Ninalee Craig photographed by Ruth Orkin in Florence in 1951, aged 23 The Guardian