Untitled (group in costume) 1959

Curator: This intriguing negative photograph by John Deusing at the Harvard Art Museums depicts a group of people in costume. The dimensions are roughly 4 by 5 inches. Editor: It's like a ghostly gathering, an echo from a forgotten masquerade. The stark contrast almost makes it feel like a dream—or a nightmare! Curator: Indeed. The composition is formally quite structured, with the subjects arranged in distinct rows. The high contrast draws attention to the textures and shapes of the costumes. Editor: I'm drawn to the performative aspect. Who were these people? What roles were they playing? The image hints at a story, a charade of some kind. Curator: Perhaps a fraternal organization? The dominoes in the corner of the image could hint at some game or social ritual. Editor: It's a puzzle, really. The image lingers in the mind long after you've looked away, like a half-remembered tune. Curator: Precisely. A compelling work that stimulates reflection, underscoring the inherent ambiguity of the photographic medium. Editor: It's hauntingly beautiful, a spectral snapshot of a moment forever suspended between worlds.