Weegee became a freelance crime photographer in 1935. Equipping his car with a police radio, he prided himself on being the first to reach crime scenes, and edged out his competition in selling his raw, sometimes grotesque shots to New York newspapers. One of Weegee’s most famous photographs, however, put forth biting social satire. The Critic, as this photograph is now known, was originally published in the December 3, 1943 issue of Life magazine with the caption: “The fashionable people were laden with jewels. Most bejeweled were Mrs. George W. Kavenaugh and Lady Decies whose entry was viewed with distaste by [a] spectator.” According to Weegee’s assistant at the time, the photographer staged the scene by liquoring up the woman at right and placing her on the curb moments before the diamond-laden doyennes emerged from their limousine to attend an opening at the Metropolitan Opera.