Untitled (portrait of girl holding baby) c. 1950

Curator: This striking photograph from the Harvard Art Museums is simply titled "Untitled (portrait of girl holding baby)" by Lucian and Mary Brown. Editor: It's an unsettling image. The inverted tones give it an almost spectral quality. What do we know about the context of its making? Curator: Details are scarce. Absent of a specific date, it's difficult to ascertain the image's social context. It does, however, underscore the evolving roles of women photographers within institutions. Editor: The contrast between the two figures speaks volumes. The older girl's formal attire and direct gaze juxtapose with the baby’s apparent vulnerability, stirring complex emotions about familial duty. Curator: Perhaps. This photo offers a glimpse into the artistic practices of the Browns. Editor: Ultimately, this photograph is about more than just aesthetics; it's a visual artifact of its time.