The King Cake Party (portrait of the C. Bennette Moore family) c. 1970

Curator: What strikes me immediately about this small photograph, roughly 4x5 inches, is its staged yet intimate feel. There is something both inviting and alienating about it. Editor: This is "The King Cake Party (portrait of the C. Bennette Moore family)" by C. Bennette Moore. It’s held in the Harvard Art Museums and offers a fascinating look into a family gathering. The family is gathered in a living room with Mardi Gras paraphernalia. Curator: I wonder about the context. What narratives about race, class, and identity can we extract from it? The subjects are all light skinned and seemingly affluent. Editor: The image is fascinating when considering the socio-political role of photography in constructing narratives of identity and belonging. Family portraits like these often served as markers of social status and cultural values. Curator: Looking at the composition, I can’t help but wonder about the power dynamics at play, both within the family and within the broader societal framework. What is the significance of them all in white, the scepters, and the one individual holding a dog? Editor: It gives us a peek into the cultural landscape of a particular time and place. Curator: Absolutely. I appreciate the nuance and the questions it provokes. Editor: Agreed, it's a rich image offering glimpses into history.