Untitled (Wethersfield High School boys basketball team) 1948

Here, in Robert Burian's photograph of the Wethersfield High School basketball team, we see a study in symbols of prowess and belonging. Each player wears a jersey emblazoned with a 'W,' a letter that transforms these young men into representatives of their school, emblems of collective identity and shared ambition. The ball itself is a potent symbol, echoing the celestial orb. Think of ancient cultures where the sun was revered as the giver of life, a force of energy and movement. Here, the basketball, held firmly in the player’s hand, becomes a personal sun, a source of vitality and potential. Consider the team's formation. They stand shoulder to shoulder, their bodies aligned. This arrangement harkens back to images of classical phalanxes, where soldiers stood united, their strength amplified by their shared purpose. In a similar vein, the basketball team's pose suggests a unified front, ready to defend their honor. This image is more than a simple sports team portrait; it is a testament to the enduring human desire for community.