League of Nations, second entrance 1935

Curator: This is Erich Salomon’s photograph, "League of Nations, second entrance." Salomon, born in 1886, was a pioneer of candid photography, capturing key political figures. Editor: It feels so cold and impersonal—all those stark lines and closed doors. The figures seem isolated, almost trapped within the architecture. Curator: The League of Nations, established after World War I, aimed to prevent future conflicts. Salomon’s image offers a glimpse into this institution at work. Editor: The doorway as a symbol is fascinating. It represents transition but also exclusion, with some passing freely while others are stalled or turned away. Curator: Indeed, the photograph’s composition, with its emphasis on barriers, subtly critiques the League’s lofty ideals versus its practical limitations. Editor: These are potent symbols for the aspirations and the failings of international cooperation. It's a chillingly effective image.