Ninalee Craig
Ninalee Craig (née Allen; November 6, 1927, Indianapolis – May 1, 2018, Toronto)[1][2] was 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[edit]
In 1951, Ninalee Craig, then using the name "Jinx Allen",[3] 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 cafés, viewing landmarks, and other travel experiences.[4] 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.[5]
Many interpret the photograph as one of harassment and chauvinism.[6] In 2014, Craig said: "At no time was I unhappy or harassed in Europe".[7] "[The photograph is] not a symbol of harassment. It's a symbol of a woman having an absolutely wonderful time!"[4] She has also noted that "Italian men are very appreciative, and it's nice to be appreciated. I wasn't the least bit offended."[8]
Later life[edit]
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 had a large extended family, including 10 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.[4]
Death[edit]
Craig died on May 1, 2018, at the age of 90.[9]
References[edit]
- ^ Silverman, Ellie (May 3, 2018). "Ninalee Allen Craig, subject of iconic 'American Girl in Italy' photos, dies at 90". Washington Post. Retrieved May 4, 2018.
- ^ "Addio all' "American Girl" che viaggiava sola in Italia facendo voltare tutti". May 4, 2018.
- ^ "Ninalee Craig 'the American Girl in Italy' passes away…". Ruth Orkin Photo Archive. Archived from the original on April 28, 2019. Retrieved April 28, 2019.
- ^ a b c "At 83, subject of 'American Girl in Italy' photo speaks out". TODAY.com. Archived from the original on April 29, 2019. Retrieved November 4, 2014.
- ^ "PHOTOGRAPHY REVIEW;Beyond That Single, Famous Picture". The New York Times. June 2, 1995. Retrieved November 4, 2014.
- ^ "The Pulitzer Prizes - Women Who Look You Straight In the Eye". Pulitzer.org. Retrieved November 4, 2014.
- ^ "An Image of Innocence Abroad". Smithsonian. Retrieved November 4, 2014.
- ^ "An American Girl In Italy". thestar.com. August 13, 2011. Retrieved November 4, 2014.
- ^ "Ninalee Allen Craig died on May 1st". The Economist. May 17, 2018.
External links[edit]
- That's me in the picture: Ninalee Craig photographed by Ruth Orkin in Florence in 1951, aged 23, theguardian.com, January 30, 2015.
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