Untitled (group portrait of children in sixteen children in front of Christmas tree in house) 1948

Editor: This is an untitled photograph by Martin Schweig, a group portrait of sixteen children in front of a Christmas tree, and it’s currently held at the Harvard Art Museums. The inverted tones give it an eerie quality, even though it depicts such a common family scene. What do you notice about the social context surrounding such a portrait? Curator: It is compelling how the image is inverted. Consider the socio-economic implications of a photograph like this. Who had the means to commission a portrait, especially a Christmas scene, and what values were being projected? Notice the emphasis on abundance and family unity, ideals often amplified during the holiday season. Editor: So the photograph then acts as a social marker? Curator: Precisely. It’s a curated presentation of family life meant to convey a certain status and belonging. The Christmas tree itself, laden with decorations, symbolizes prosperity and tradition. What might this imagery conceal about the realities of the time? Editor: It gives me a lot to consider about these scenes and what they represent. Curator: Indeed. It encourages us to question the narratives we inherit and the stories we choose to tell ourselves through images.