Maud Bows to the Virginia Creeper - An evaluation

Maud Bows to the Virginia Creeper by O. Winston Link, 1956

In the photo, there is a train heading toward the photographer, with the track running next to what appears to be a small station. There is a light-colored horse that is hooked up to a small sled with branches on it. The horse's head is down, as if it is bowing to the train. There are several people standing on the platform behind the sled. The train is emitting dark smoke from the top which is slanting toward the left of the photo. The sky looks overcast.

The darkened sky, the seemingly barren foreground, and the bowing of the horse all add to the somewhat somber feeling of the photo. The people don't seem to be excited, but rather bored or maybe even sad. The station building is slightly neglected-looking furthering the appearance of the photo.

The contrast between the black smoke and the light sky draw the viewer's eye to the train, which makes up a large part of the picture. The emptiness of the foreground leaves the midground to be the main focus, containing the station building, the horse, and the train. The placement of the train, along with the timing of the horse's position make it seem like the horse is bowing to it, giving the photo its name.