Crowds Running for Shelter When the Air-raid Alarm Sounded
Crowds Running for Shelter When the Air-raid Alarm Sounded is a black and white photograph taken by Robert Capa in Bilbao, Basque Country, during the Spanish Civil War in 1937. It is one of the most famous photographs that he took during the conflict.
The picture depicts the moment when a group of people listens to the air-raid alarm, indicating that enemy aviation was approaching for a bombardment. The Basque Country was traditionally a conservative region of Spain but nevertheless was supportive of the Republican government in their struggle against Francisco Franco nationalists and their allies. In this dramatic moment, a woman looks to the sky as she crosses a street with a little girl, most likely her daughter, by her hand. A group of five people, two men and three women, listen also to the air-raid alarm. They don't hide their visible concern as they look to the sky too, except one woman, but still remain quiet. It is uncertain from the picture's point of view if they are able to see any approaching planes.[1]
A print of the photograph is held at the International Center of Photography in New York.[2]