Untitled (two men working in foundry) c. 1946

Editor: This small gelatin silver print, "Untitled (two men working in foundry)" by Jack Gould, shows two men struggling to carry a heavy box. The high contrast creates a sense of drama, almost like a film noir. What strikes you about it? Curator: The absence of a date is telling. This could be documenting labor practices at almost any point in the 20th century. It raises questions about the representation of the working class, and who gets to control that narrative. Are these men anonymous laborers, or are they being celebrated? Editor: That's a good point! The lack of faces makes them seem anonymous. Curator: Exactly. And given the social climate of the time, was the photographer aiming to expose or ennoble their labor? The size also matters; is this a personal snapshot or intended for wider circulation? Editor: I hadn't considered the photograph as a statement on labor itself. Thanks for that insight! Curator: And I am reminded to consider how such a seemingly simple image can carry so much cultural weight.