08/22/2026
Today marks 75 years of Ruth Orkin’s iconic American Girl in Italy. On August 22, 1951, Orkin met 23-year-old Ninalee “Jinx” Allen Craig in Florence. The two women spent the day creating a playful photographic series about the experience of traveling alone as a young woman. One frame became legendary: Jinx walking confidently through the streets of Florence as men turn to watch her. What began as a story about friendship, adventure and independence became one of the most recognizable photographs of the 20th century.
To learn more, read Leah Collins article for CBC Arts titled "It’s one of the most famous photos of all time, but how well do you know American Girl in Italy?”
The Ruth Orkin Photo Archive has released a 75th Anniversary box set, with 12 photos, including the ‘variation’ which is the first frame taken before the iconic photo was taken. This photo has never been published! Visit or email us with any questions.
American Girl in Italy, Florence, 1951 © Ruth Orkin Photo Archive / courtesy Stephen Bulger Gallery
