Untitled (woman holding on to her nightcap) 1961

Curator: This is an untitled photograph by Jack Gould, held at the Harvard Art Museums, depicting a woman holding her nightcap. Editor: There's such a sense of intimacy—it feels almost like glimpsing a private moment, that pre-sleep ritual. Curator: It's interesting how Gould captures the textures—the soft fabric of the nightcap contrasts with the smoother material of her pajamas, drawing attention to the tactile experience of preparing for bed. This photograph could be a reflection of labor, the daily ritual of rest. Editor: The nightcap is so evocative. Throughout history, head coverings have signified diverse things: protection, status, even modesty. Here, it feels like a symbol of transition—from day to night, from outward performance to inner peace. Curator: I agree, and considering how often sleepwear is now mass-produced, a handmade nightcap suggests a deliberate crafting of one's personal space and time. Editor: Yes, an intentionality. It makes me wonder about the dreams she might be inviting. Curator: It gives new meaning to the idea of the "materiality of dreams." Editor: Indeed. This image offers us a glimpse into something both intimate and universal.