Untitled (woman at desk in office) 1952

Curator: This photograph, whose title is simply "Untitled (woman at desk in office)," is held at the Harvard Art Museums and was created by Lester Cole. Editor: The high contrast gives it a very noir-ish feel, almost suffocating. The woman is dwarfed by the shelves and stacks of documents. Curator: It's fascinating how the image highlights the role of women in office environments, likely during the mid-20th century, a period of evolving social dynamics. Editor: And the images of dogs on the shelf – are they a signifier of domesticity intruding into the workplace, or perhaps a commentary on the roles women are expected to fill? Curator: It’s interesting to think about how the repetitive nature of the office tasks, symbolized by the rows of files, potentially mirrors the limited opportunities available to women at the time. Editor: Yes, the sheer volume of paperwork is overwhelming. Looking closely, this photograph is a reminder of the often unseen labor upon which so much else depends.