The iconic 1951 image “American Girl in Italy” turns 60 on Monday. As its anniversary approaches, the stunning woman in the photo — Ninalee Craig, now 83, is remembered as that girl. Everyone has seen the photo hundreds of times. A tall, attractive, woman walking down a street in Florence. She clutches at her shawl, as she moves quickly. Passing a dozen men who stare at her.
In 1951, Craig was a 23-year-old who left her job in New York and secured 3rd-class passage on a ship sailing to Europe. She spent more than six months in France, Spain and Italy. All of it by herself — something not many women did shortly after World War II.
On the other hand there's Snooky.
Ruth Orkin’s “American Girl in Italy” photograph and other works are on display now through Aug. 27 at the Stephen Bulger Gallery, 1026 Queen St. W., Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Ninalee Craig and Mary Engel will attend a public reception at the gallery from 2 to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 20. To learn more, visit the gallery’s website.
