Untitled (two portraits of a baby) c. 1945

Curator: This captivating image, titled "Untitled (two portraits of a baby)," is attributed to John Deusing. It's a photographic image, measuring about 5 by 7 inches, currently held in the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: The first impression is striking—it has a haunting, almost otherworldly quality due to its negative presentation, yet the domesticity of the subject matter is clear. Curator: Absolutely. The inverted tones invite us to consider the history of photographic processes, the darkroom labor, and the alchemical transformation involved in capturing an image. Think about the class dimensions, too: who had access to photography at this time? Editor: And the baby's dress itself, the frills and lace speak to the labour of women, both in its construction and the maintenance of ideals of childhood. Curator: It's fascinating to consider how these early photographic materials allowed for the creation and dissemination of images. It also begs the question of how identity and representation were shaped through such technology. Editor: Indeed. It reminds us that even seemingly simple images like these carry a weight of cultural and historical significance, impacting our understanding of gender and childhood. Curator: This photograph prompts so many thoughts. Editor: It certainly does—materiality and history intertwined.