Untitled (portrait of a man) c. 1940

Curator: Looking at this photographic negative by John Deusing, “Untitled (portrait of a man)", the first thing that strikes me is its spectral quality. Editor: Absolutely. The man’s almost glowing figure against the dark backdrop gives him an ethereal presence. The hat he’s holding seems almost like an offering. Curator: The hat indeed symbolizes a kind of formality, perhaps his social standing. Deusing must have been a commercial photographer catering to a certain clientele. The immaculate suit and confident stance suggest prosperity, maybe upward mobility. Editor: And it's almost a symbol of power too. He holds it casually, like he has complete control. But it could also represent the weight of societal expectations. Curator: It's fascinating how an image like this makes us consider the subject's place within the social fabric of the time. Editor: Precisely. A seemingly simple portrait, yet it holds a whole world of potential meanings.