Untitled (portrait of a child in "Buster" hat) c. 1940

Curator: This photographic print, currently titled "Untitled (portrait of a child in 'Buster' hat)," comes to us from John Deusing and the Harvard Art Museums. The image measures roughly 7 by 5 inches. Editor: It has a ghostly quality, stark tonal contrasts emphasizing the subject’s face and the peculiar outfit. Curator: Indeed, this print reveals a child costumed, perhaps for performance or play, a Buster Keaton-esque hat atop their head. It makes me wonder about the social role of children and the clothing industry involved in creating such novelty items. Editor: The composition directs our eye immediately to the face, the hat’s inscription acting as a focal point balanced by the dark bow tie. What of the textures—the soft hat contrasting with the rigid formality of the clothing? Curator: Excellent point. It underscores the performative aspect, blurring the line between childhood innocence and manufactured identity through the available material goods. Editor: Considering the tones, the textures, the pose... it's a fascinating study. Curator: Agreed. A small image offering significant insights into childhood, commerce, and persona.