Untitled (Squibb window display in pharmacy) c. 1950

This photograph by Robert Burian captures a Squibb pharmacy window display in a study of shapes and lines, an exploration of the commercial space as a study in form. The cool grayscale emphasizes the geometric structure of the window and its contents. The arrangement of the Squibb products, neatly aligned on shelves, creates a grid-like pattern, echoing the larger architectural framework. Look closely at the contrasting textures: the transparency of the glass, the solid geometry of the bottles, and the flat surfaces of the display stands. This creates a visual language that speaks to the principles of modern design, where function meets form. Burian’s photographic approach considers how we perceive and interact with commercial space. The display, framed within the photograph, becomes a commentary on consumer culture, presented with a formal elegance. Notice the play of light and shadow, which adds depth and complexity, highlighting the photograph’s own composition. Here the pharmacy window becomes not just a place of commerce, but a tableau of modern visual aesthetics.