Fifth Avenue Theater Interior: Drinking Fountain Behind Scenes, 1185 Broadway, Manhattan 1938

Editor: This is "Fifth Avenue Theater Interior: Drinking Fountain Behind Scenes, 1185 Broadway, Manhattan" by Berenice Abbott, taken in 1938. The photo, in shades of grey, shows what looks to be a marble or stone drinking fountain. I’m struck by how stark and symmetrical it is. What do you see in this piece, Professor? Curator: Formally, it presents a study in geometric relationships, wouldn’t you agree? The interplay of the rigid rectangular frame against the soft, receding arch of the water basin creates a tension. Note also the subtle textures of the stone. Do these strike you as integral or incidental to the piece? Editor: I'd say they are key. The roughness contrasts so well with the clean lines of the design, making the fountain feel both monumental and…mundane? Curator: Precisely. Observe how the photographer has meticulously arranged tonal values—the strategic placement of shadows accentuates the three-dimensional qualities of the fountain. Furthermore, what semiotic weight do you ascribe to the centrally positioned tap? Editor: It seems…functional but also almost iconic, in a weird way. Like a small industrial deity. Curator: Indeed. Consider, also, the overall composition. Its emphasis lies on the fountain's stark utilitarian presence rather than narrative, which allows a unique exploration into the material reality of a simple object. Does the photograph effectively highlight this objective materiality? Editor: I see that. Focusing on the form rather than what it *means* allows the actual fountain to come forward as the focus. This close looking definitely makes me consider art, and photographs, in a different light. Curator: That is my aim: to observe and dissect, gleaning truths embedded within visual form.